More confrontations as tempers flare on the doorstep

IN another election trail confrontation Lib Dem candidate Gerry Moynihan was abused by a man as he knocked doors in Bordesley Green.

The man allegedly made death threats and told him to get out of the area, in what was later described as an incident rooted in homophobia.

The man allegedly criticised the Lib Dems’ support for the No Outsiders equality education programme. Mr Moynihan said: “It was not me he was targeting, it was the policies of the Lib Dems, which I support, in relation to the No Outsiders programme and our support for equality and diversity and specifically our standing with LGBTQi issues.

“I am standing in a majority Muslim area, where the overwhelming majority of people are decent, honest and non-violent, but some members of our community have a problem with those issues and he was one that decided to have a go.”

He added: “I will not change my view and support for the LGBTQI community. I am not taking the issue forward with the police and am moving on.”

Footage was also posted on social media from neighbouring Ward End of a verbal altercation while Labour candidate Bushra Bi was canvassing.

An argument took place between her supporters and local Tory candidate Hassan Ali, who was accused of harassing and intimidating her, a claim he has since denied on social media. A Lib Dem candidate was also nearby.

The incident was reported by Cllr Nicky Brennan, who said: “Really sad to hear one of my fellow Labour candidates has been harassed and followed by both the Tory and Lib Dem candidates while out campaigning in Ward End.”

She added it was hard enough to get women candidates to come forward, without tactics like this. “I really hoped all parties would pledge to be kind in the election campaign,” she said. “No one should be made to feel unsafe whilst campaigning or being involved in politics.”

Later, Labour MP for the area, Liam Byrne, posted: “This is absolutely unacceptable behaviour which I’ve reported tonight to the chairs of both Conservatives and Lib Dems to demand they investigate. No one joining in our great democracy must ever be harassed in this way. Solidarity to Bushra Ali and our Ward End team.”

Robert Alden, Local Conservatives group leader, said: “I have been made aware of a video circulating online and have asked to see the full unedited version so that we can establish exactly what happened. Clearly harassment of any kind is totally unacceptable and has no place in politics or wider society.”