Police and additional security were present at yesterday’s meeting of Cheshire East Council held at Jodrell Bank after members were informed that the council leader, Nick Mannion, had been the target of physical threats.
Councillors warn abuse is escalating
During the full council session, councillors raised concerns about harassment and threats directed at both elected members and council staff. Councillor Michael Gorman (Wilmslow West & Chorley, Ind) told colleagues that the leader and his partner had recently been left in distress following police warnings about threats.
“I’ve had to witness the leader this weekend, and his partner, in real distress, where he was warned by the police that there were physical threats against him.”
Cllr Gorman described online posts that, he said, contained encouragements to assault the leader — including references to kicking him with steel-toecap boots — and said police were monitoring social media. He told councillors that the deployment of officers to the meeting represented a use of scarce policing resources.
Calls for respect and protection
Other members used the meeting to urge behavioural change. Councillor Sarah Bennett-Wake (Macclesfield Hurdsfield, Lab) reminded the chamber of the council’s code of conduct and asked elected members and the public to reflect on the consequences of abusive language, referencing recent high-profile violent incidents affecting national figures.
“In the light of the recent murder of Ann Widdecombe, along with the threats and abuse to MPs and councillors of all political persuasion, I’m asking everyone, politicians and members of the public, to reflect on the consequences of their words and behaviour, and be more respectful to each other.”
Councillor Craig Browne (Alderley Edge, Ind) highlighted an instance in which a member of staff had been left in tears by aggressive conduct. The leader, Cllr Mannion, said it was essential to call out unacceptable behaviour and to protect staff and members.
- Police presence: officers and security attended the full council meeting at Jodrell Bank.
- Primary concern: physical threats reported against the council leader, and wider harassment.
- Calls from councillors: uphold the council code of conduct, protect staff, and discourage abusive behaviour online and offline.
Who spoke at the meeting
| Speaker | Ward / Affiliation | Key point |
|---|---|---|
| Michael Gorman | Wilmslow West & Chorley (Ind) | Reported police warning about threats to the leader and partner |
| Sarah Bennett-Wake | Macclesfield Hurdsfield (Lab) | Urged adherence to the code of conduct; called for respect |
| Craig Browne | Alderley Edge (Ind) | Raised concern over staff being upset by aggressive conduct |
The presence of police at a civic meeting underlines the rising tension faced by local authorities across the country, where elected officials and employees report increasing levels of abuse. Council members at Jodrell Bank voiced the view that resources used to provide protection should not become a routine necessity and called for a collective effort to curb hostile behaviour.
For residents and visitors, the immediate practical implication is the council’s renewed emphasis on safety and conduct standards at public meetings. Those attending future sessions should expect security measures where risks are identified, and the council has reiterated that abusive or threatening behaviour will not be tolerated.
Further updates will be published should the council release additional details or guidance following internal discussions about member safety and safeguarding procedures.
