‘Councillors need to know what support is there to protect them’
SNP man calls for clarity from local authority bosses
A Paisley councillor has insisted the local authority must be clearer about what support is available for elected members who feel vulnerable.
Will Mylet had his living room window smashed by a yob earlier this year while he was sleeping at home with his wife and two children.
And after the fatal stabbing of MP David Amess last week in Essex, the SNP man revealed his feelings about the personal safety of councillors.
He said he did not know what support he could ask for when his home was targeted and has called on council chiefs to outline exactly what is on offer to elected members who suffer abuse, attacks or threats.
“When the news came out about David Amess, I just thought this could probably happen to any elected member and it’s really quite off-putting,” said Councillor Mylet, who represents Paisley East and Central.
“My wife was thinking ‘What if that happens to you?’ I’ve heard about so many terrible attacks on councillors which actually make my situation sound quite small.
“I think it’s worrying for people who are on their own as councillors as well. It’s often a job where people are older as well and perhaps feel more vulnerable.
“At surgeries, it’s often just you and the resident in the room and you never know who’s coming through the door.
“I think the council needs to make it clearer what support is available for councillors because I didn’t know what I was able to ask for.”
Mr Amess was stabbed multiple times when he was carrying out a routine advice surgery in a Methodist church last Friday and later died at the scene.
The tragic incident has sparked much debate about the safety and security of MPs and MSPs, especially as it happened just five years after the murder of Labour MP Jo Cox, who was repeatedly shot and stabbed by a right-wing extremist on her way to meet constituents in West Yorkshire.
Paisley Southwest Councillor Eileen McCartin said elected members should also be included in discussions about protecting politicians.
She added: “I had one incident about 15 years ago at a surgery where I became concerned for my safety.
“A person had come to see me a couple of times and he was very aggressive. When we knew he was coming again I got a janitor to stand outside the door because I wanted to be absolutely certain he wasn’t going to be physically violent.
“It’s the only time I’ve felt really vulnerable, but it only takes one situation to make you worry.
“I think councillors should not be forgotten in these conversations about politicians’ safety because we’re public servants too.”
A Renfrewshire Council spokesman said: “We are committed to supporting our elected members to feel safe while carrying out their role.
“We have this week circulated the latest advice from Police Scotland on what to do should they feel at risk.
“Where any member feels threatened or at the risk of harm, they are advised to contact the police immediately.
“They are also asked to contact senior council officers who could offer advice over further action they could take, and put them in touch with other organisations who could help.
“Officers are also currently reviewing the arrangements for elected member surgeries and considering other ways to offer additional support to members to help them feel safe.
“No one should have to face intimidation or violence when just doing their job.”
It’s often just you and the resident in the room and you never know who’s coming through the door