Marion Atkinson says personal attacks have no place in local democracy
Responding to a newly published Local Government Association survey about the abuse and intimidation of councillors across the UK, Sefton Council leader Cllr Marion Atkinson said today:
“Unfortunately, I am not surprised at the outcome of this survey, which shows that three-quarters of councillors in the UK have reported feeling at personal risk while fulfilling their elected role.
“As was highlighted at last night’s Council meeting, I have been the target of some very personal and offensive threats and comments from members of the public who disagree with the Council’s actions.
“And while last night’s focus was about abuse targeted at me, I know that I’m not alone. Councillors of all political hues, particularly the females among us, are bombarded daily by very personal and hurtful messages and we shouldn’t have to face it while working to serve our communities.”
During this week’s Council meeting a number of Cllr Atkinson’s colleagues read out some of the offensive comments that had been made online about Cllr Atkinson and expressed their concern and dismay at the language that had been used.
According to the Local Government Association’s 2026 Debate Not Hate survey, more than half of councillors believe abuse has increased over the past year. Almost eight in ten reported feeling some level of personal risk while carrying out their role. More than a quarter said they had received threats of violence, and one in fourteen reported receiving a death threat.
The survey also found that abuse is discouraging people from standing for election or seeking re-election, with many councillors reporting concerns about their safety and the impact on their families.
The LGA warned that while robust debate and public scrutiny are an important part of democracy, abuse, intimidation, harassment and threats have no place in public life.
Cllr Atkinsoncontinued:
“Sefton Council recognises that residents will have strong views on issues affecting their communities, including changes to facilities such as the aviary.
“We welcome and promote constructive challenge and debate, but we are increasingly concerned by instances where disagreement has crossed the line into personal abuse, intimidation and threats directed at us online.”
In 2022, Sefton Council adopted a Policy on Dealing with the On-Line Abuse and Intimidation of Councillors in response to growing concerns about abuse directed at elected members on social media. The policy recognises the importance of free speech, challenge and public debate, while making clear that threats, intimidation, harassment and personal abuse are unacceptable. It provides councillors with guidance on staying safe online, reporting abusive behaviour and accessing support when targeted because of their public role
Cllr Atkinson added:
“Whether we agree with them or not,councillors from across the political spectrum have the right to carry out their public duties without fear of harassment.
“Respectful discussion and differing opinions are a vital part of local democracy, but personal attacks, abusive messages and threatening behaviour are not acceptable and risk discouraging people from stepping up to work for local people.”
Cllr Hannah Dalton, LGA Civility in Public Life Ambassador, said:
“The findings of the 2026 Debate Not Hate survey are a stark reminder that abuse, threats and intimidation have become an all too common reality for those who step forward to serve their communities. We must never accept a situation where harassment and personal attacks are simply regarded as part of public service.”
“It is deeply alarming that most councillors believe the problem is getting worse,
Olivia Field, CEO of The Jo Cox Foundation, said:
“This new data paints a deeply concerning picture. It’s unacceptable that so many councillors worry about their personal safety. Abuse and intimidation in politics are a growing problem that affects us all. When talented people are stepping down, choosing not to stand in the first place, or feeling unable to speak freely, our policies and our democracy are weakened.”
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