Rochdale councillors have backed a campaign to combat the rising levels of abuse being directed at local politicians across the country. But they also admitted the need to put their own house in order, amid claims some colleagues were guilty of bullying council staff, the public and fellow elected members.
The discussion began with Coun John Taylor, leader of the Conservative group, calling on councillors to back the Local Government Association’s Debate Not Hate campaign to improve support for local politicians facing abuse and intimidation.
The LGA says that seven in 10 councillors experienced abuse and intimidation over the last 12 months - undermining democracy; preventing elected members from representing their communities and deterring individuals from standing as candidates.
READ MORE: Councillor who tweeted 'toilet paper' pic of rival's election leaflet broke code of conduct
This was reflected in the experience of councillors in Rochdale, who spoke of often having their cars vandalised, ‘funny phone calls’ and being targeted for abuse online.
Coun Taylor told the meeting: “The LGA has identified how the abuse of councillors is increasing in severity. And I believe it’s incumbent on us to do all that we can to eradicate it locally. There is no place for abuse or intimidation of elected members or candidates across this borough.”
