Labour unable to field candidate for local by-election due to online abuse

THE Labour group at Culcheth, Glazebury and Croft say they are unable to field a candidate at a forthcoming parish council by-election due to online abuse.

It follows calls by the local Independent Cllr. Neil Johnson on residents in Culcheth to treat this week’s upcoming Parish Council by-election as a “referendum” on recent “chaos” following a recent meeting of the parish council.

Earlier this month, there was widespread shock after a video was circulated on social media showing what Cllr. Johnson described as “chaos at the Parish Council”.
The video, filmed outside Culcheth Library, showed a number of residents from the Protect Culcheth Village Campaign Group being denied entry to the Culcheth and Glazebury Parish Council meeting.
Now, Neil says the by-election (which will be held on Thursday, 25th September) offers an opportunity for residents to deliver their verdict on what transpired.

For the first time, two Independent candidates will be standing and one Conservative. Unusually, Cllr. Johnson says there will be no Labour Party candidate, despite there being two Labour Borough Councillors in the ward.
Cllr Johnson said: “The Parish Council by-election on Thursday 25th September offers residents in Culcheth a chance to make their voices heard over the future direction of the Parish Council. Both I, and candidates standing in this election have spoken out honestly about the need to end the culture of secrecy and lack of transparency that has overtaken what should be a positive forum for community improvements.
“The scenes we all witnessed at the beginning of the month were horrendous. Residents being locked out of the Library and questionable figures being given in respect of the number allowed in.
“In the aftermath of that incident, there was real anger, and justifiably so. Now, Culcheth residents have the opportunity to decide whether they want to continue with the status quo, or vote for a fresh perspective, one that will challenge the vested interests, make our Parish Council more democratic, and open the doors (literally!) to greater involvement by local residents.
“This election is the People vs the Parish Council. Who do we want to put first?
“Thursday, 25th September will once again be polling day in Culcheth. This time round, it’s a referendum on the chaos that unfolded at the Library earlier this month. I encourage all residents to use their vote, and I am confident the village will make a sound choice.
“Whether Christine, Dorothy or Bernie are elected, I look forward to working with them positively.”

In response, a Culcheth, Glazebury and Croft Labour spokesperson commented: “Cllr Johnson left the Labour Party almost 12 months ago. He has no insight into our decision over whether or not to field a candidate.
As stated by Cllr Matt Smith at Monday’s full council meeting: “When a councillor continuously denigrates fellow elected members, they not only bring themselves into disrepute but also cheapen the role for all of us. This behaviour sets a toxic example, giving a green light to members of the public who then feel emboldened to post the most horrific abuse, aimed at committed public servants.
“This is not a theoretical problem. We currently have a parish by-election in Culcheth. The local Labour branch did not field a candidate. Why? Because good, community-minded individuals were unwilling to subject themselves and their families to the abuse they see online. I could not, in good conscience, encourage them to do so in the current climate.”
“We were hoping Monday’s motion would give fresh hope to those looking to pursue a political career without fear of intimidation or harassment.
“Though Cllr Johnson was the only member to vote against these protections, the motion still passed.
“Our hope was short-lived though, as within 24 hours, there were posts attacking named individuals with claims that were untrue.
“And this is not just a local phenomenon. The national picture is appalling. According to the Local Government Association survey, a staggering 84% of female councillors feel at risk while carrying out their duties. To put that into perspective, a UK study found that 51% of delivery riders and drivers felt their job put their health and safety at risk. That 51% is unacceptably high, but how can we, hand on heart, recommend public service to people when the perceived risk is so much higher?”