Plymouth councillors from across the political spectrum have spoken out after receiving a wave of online abuse and threats.
Independent councillor Terri Beer, who represents Plympton Erle ward, says she has received 'online threats to her life' following this week’s full council meeting.
Cllr Beer told Plymouth Plus that while she was at the bedside of her unwell husband in Derriford Hospital, she was targeted by abusive posts and fake accounts.
Cllr Beer said she and fellow Independent councillor Maddi Bridgeman have endured bullying after a 'frank and open motion on notice'. She said:
“We have both endured bullying and I have had to remove fake accounts and the nastiness of comments from my Facebook page following a frank and open motion on notice.
“I won’t be beaten so you can tell the bullies I will continue as a councillor, and should I come to harm then I have put it on record.”
Labour’s deputy leader of the council, Jemima Laing (Stoke Ward), who is currently acting leader while council leader Tudor Evans recovers from illness, has also shared that she has been victim to online abuse.
She has called out comments targeting her appearance and described them as ‘misogynistic nonsense’. She said:
"They’re not talking about politics or arguments, about decisions or policy, that would be absolutely fine of course. No, this is about my appearance, misogynistic nonsense or straight up lies and a couple are just weird".
Cllr Laing admitted the onslaught had taken a toll, saying:
“On Monday evening it really did mess with my head a bit.”
“I’m fortunate to have both a strong personal and professional network to draw upon but I don’t mind saying it upset me.”
She added there should be no expectation that women in public life simply accept this kind of treatment. She added:
“I can’t accept that there is some implicit quid pro quo that choosing to be a councillor means I just have to suck it up”.
“I don’t think the price of choosing to become involved in public service is that anyone, anywhere can say whatever they like about me.”
Councillors are human beings with families and private lives and no one should face threats or misogynistic attacks.
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