A former policeman from Nottingham has been teaching councillors how to defend themselves in the lead up to local elections. Ian Kirke, a former Thames Valley Police officer, has been coaching candidates from all parties in self-defence ahead of next week’s polls.
It follows concerns that politicians face a rising tide of threats, abuse and even violence while canvassing on the doorstep. The sessions are being run by the Local Government Information Unit (LGIU), a think tank and membeship group which lobbies on council issues.
Abuse against politicians has been in the news recently following the death of Sir David Amess in October last year after he was stabbed while holding a surgery in his constituency. Dozens of council candidates have so far taken part in online sessions run by Mr Kirke and fellow trainer Miranda Smythe, an experienced safey consultant, aimed at defusing conflict and how to react to violent situations.
