Councils across Wales follow Caerphilly in committing to “respectful” election campaigns

Councils across Wales have followed in Caerphilly County Borough Council’s footsteps by committing to “respectful” election campaigns.

Last month, the leaders of the three main groups in Caerphilly Council released a joint statement pledging a zero-tolerance policy against abuse.

It came after an abusive letter was sent to the leader of the Independent Group, Cllr Kevin Etheridge.

Cllr Etheridge joined forces with Plaid Cymru group leader Cllr Colin Mann, as well as Cllr Philippa Marsden – leader of both the Labour group and the council – to call for “an end to abuse, intimidation and harassment of any kind”.

This pledge has since been adapted and rolled out to all 22 local authorities across Wales following a Welsh Local Government Association Executive Board meeting.

On February 4, the Welsh local authorities agreed to call on all councillors and candidates to commit to a fair and respectful election campaign.

Cllr Marsden said: “It is great to see that Caerphilly Council are leading the way in respects to an anti-abuse approach to councillors and election candidates.”

The council elections are taking place across Wales on May 5, 2022.

Caerphilly County Borough Council’s joint-pledge said: “Unfortunately, we are seeing an increasing number of councillors and candidates being subjected to abuse, threats and intimidation. As well as being totally unacceptable, this behaviour undermines the principles of free speech, democratic engagement and debate.

“This is particularly relevant as we enter the key period in the run up to the local government elections in May. We pledge to participate in a fair election campaign which is based on positive campaigning and merit, rather than personal attacks and smears against individuals.

“We encourage all elected members and candidates in the forthcoming election to do the same. In addition, we will publicly ‘call out’ any such inappropriate behaviour and take a zero-tolerance approach to abuse.

“We all have the right to carry out our civic duties without fear of being attacked or abused. Any inappropriate behaviour, whether that be verbal, physical or in writing on social media, is totally unacceptable and action will be taken if deemed necessary.

“Please be kind and fair in all that you say and do.”