Liverpool West Derby MP Ian Byrne is to seek guidance from police following alleged intimidation during a campaign event at the weekend.
Mr Byrne, who was elected at the 2019 General Election, is facing a battle to be selected as the Labour candidate again for the next election. It was confirmed last month that rather than be automatically re-selected to fight the seat for the party, he would face an internal challenge from opponents vying to represent West Derby in Westminster.
Last week, it was finalised that Cllr Anthony Lavelle - who was out on the campaign trail on Saturday - and Hyndburn Councillor Kimberley Whitehead were the two people going up against Mr Byrne for the Labour candidacy. Mr Byrne was also seen in the constituency yesterday campaigning with party members as well as Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram and Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, who have publicly backed his re-selection bid.
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This evening, Mr Byrne has put out a statement on social media criticising “shameful” intimidation the group faced while out the previous day. It said: “The intimidation I was met with yesterday when hosting two mayors, a local councillor and local party members in my constituency was shameful and anyone involved in this appalling behaviour, including local politicians has been blocked from my social media.
“I have taken this action in support of my own and my team’s mental health and safety in light of the death threat we faced recently.” Mr Byrne added he would be “seeking guidance” from Merseyside Police and Liverpool Council in the days ahead.
In August, Mr Byrne said he had been made aware of a “possible threat to life” aimed at himself, his family and his office staff. Following Mr Byrne’s statement this evening, Cllr Harry Doyle - who is backing Cllr Lavelle for the role - called on the incumbent MP to apologise and retract his remarks.
Posting on Twitter, Cllr Doyle said: “I am shocked and appalled at this statement. The meeting point for Anthony’s campaign was at a venue next door to an event Ian held with supporters which was completely unknown to me.
“I had friendly interactions with members supporting Ian as they walked towards us, some of whom I have deep respect and admiration for as I have known them for years. There was no intimidation from any of Anthony’s team.”
Cllr Doyle said a “friendly conversation” was held between Cllr Lavelle and Mr Rotheram and Mr Burnham, and said he was “baffled” by Mr Byrne’s statement. He added: “We should absolutely expect better from our sitting MP.
“I will repeat what I said earlier today in that, in the case Ian is re-selected, I will be there at every campaign session to get him re-elected in West Derby. We are one Labour movement.
“I would however like an apology and for his statement to be withdrawn as his claims of intimidation by myself and others are completely untrue.” The selection vote to be Labour's candidate is expected to be held next Sunday.
The ECHO contacted Cllr Lavelle for comment.
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