The Deputy Leader of Caerphilly County Borough Council has opened up about the level of abuse aimed at councillors – revealing he has had to report threats and online abuse to the police.
Jamie Pritchard, who has been a councillor for the Morgan Jones ward for nearly ten years, described the culture of online abuse targeted at councillors and elected officials as “toxic”.
Due to his Cabinet position in the council, Cllr Pritchard said he receives countless aggressive emails which contain strong language.
What is Caerphilly County Borough Council’s cabinet?
A council’s cabinet is made up of councillors in charge of different policy areas – such as education, environment, local economy, etc – and a leader.
It is separate to the council’s corporate management structure, which is headed up by its chief executive and various directors. Cabinet is made up of councillors, who are elected and have the ultimate say.
Typically, cabinet members are councillors from the party with the most elected council members.
Caerphilly County Borough Council’s cabinet is made up of:
- Cllr Sean Morgan (Nelson) – Leader
- Cllr Jamie Pritchard (Morgan Jones) – Deputy Leader; Prosperity, Regeneration and Climate Change
- Cllr Nigel George (Risca East) – Corporate Services and Property
- Cllr Eluned Stenner (New Tredegar) – Finance and Performance
- Cllr Carol Andrews (Gilfach) – Education and Communities
- Cllr Shayne Cook (Morgan Jones) – Housing
- Cllr Elaine Forehead (Van) – Social Care
- Cllr Philippa Leonard (Risca East) – Planning and Public Protection
- Cllr Chris Morgan (Machen and Rudry) – Waste, Leisure and Green Spaces
Corporate management is made up of unelected employees of the council and has responsibility for day-to-day management of services, such as making sure the bins are collected. Corporate directors work with cabinet members to come up with policy which is then agreed upon by the cabinet.
Last updated October 13, 2023
Contact with one individual had to be suspended after they sent a message to the councillor claiming “things will get nasty”.
Cllr Pritchard said: “It doesn’t matter if you are Labour, Conservative or from any other party – this abuse is happening across the board.”
Cllr Pritchard urged other elected officials to call out this type of behaviour so something can be done to stop it happening in future.
He said he was worried online abuse would put people off becoming a councillor, which he described as a “thoroughly rewarding job”.
A guide published by the Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) in 2020 said: “While debate and having different views is all part of a healthy democracy; abuse, public intimidation and threats are designed to undermine democratic decision making by generating fear in those who represent it.”
Councillors are encouraged by the WLGA to keep a record of any intimidating communication or behaviour.
The WLGA also has advice on its website for councillors on dealing with online abuse. It reads: “Social media has become a powerful tool for councillors, helping them to engage with communities, raise awareness of community issues, events, or council initiatives and to seek views and receive feedback.
“Social media however has its darker side; online abuse and bullying or trolling has reached record levels and politicians, particularly women, are often the target of unacceptable, unpleasant and, sometimes, threatening online abuse.”
Councillors are able to contact their Democratic Services officer at the council to ask for guidance or training when it comes to handling abusive messages.
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