Councillors ask to keep details private after MP murders

LOCAL councillors have called on the Government to allow them to keep their addresses and phone numbers private after revealing that 88 per cent had experienced abuse.

The Local Government Association (LGA), the national body representing councils, said seven in 10 councillors had received abuse in the past 12 months, and one in 10 reported experiencing it on a regular basis.

The findings were in a report published by the LGA ahead of its annual conference entitled Debate Not Hate.

It said some had been targeted because of their gender, race or sexuality. Some were suffering depression and anxiety due to safety fears, and feeling unable to go out unaccompanied.

James Jamieson, chairman of the LGA, said: “Councillors are as much a part of the community as those they represent and should not be subjected to abuse because of their position.”

The safety of politicians of all levels has been under increased scrutiny after the murder of MPS Sir David Amess last year, and Jo Cox six years ago.

The report found that 72 per cent of respondents had started taking action to avoid intimidation and abuse such as never working alone and installing home security equipment.

The LGA is calling for changes, including asking the Government to prioritise legislation that makes clear that councillors can withhold their home address from the public register.

The register is designed to prevent conflicts of interest and corruption.

Candidates standing for election can withhold their home address, following a change in the law in 2018.

The LGA is also calling for social media companies to provide better and faster routes for councillors to report abuse and misinformation online.

“We need action to protect councillors and ensure candidates feel safe to stand for election. Anyone, regardless of background or political affiliation, should feel safe to represent their community,” said Mr Jamieson.