The way Isle of Wight Councillors talk to one another, as well as to staff, has been raised as an issue at County Hall.
It comes as the council agrees to sign up to the Local Government Authority’s ‘Debate Not Hate’ campaign, which challenges the normalisation of abuse.
Speaking at a meeting last night (Wednesday), Cllr Julie Jones-Evans said the most disappointing element was the abuse she had received from fellow councillors, so it was not just from the outside but the inside.
Cllr Matt Price also highlighted the “atrocious behaviour” in the chamber with the way councillors have spoken to staff.
He said: “It has been the worst I have ever seen, some of it is inexcusable … Staff cannot answer back but they have been spoken to in a disgraceful way.”
Cllr Price challenged those who had spoken to staff in such a manner to look at their own behaviour.
The national campaign looks to improve the response to and support for those in a public role who face abuse and intimidation.
Cllr Karen Lucioni, who proposed the motion, said a Local Government Association survey found seven out of ten councillors had been abused or intimidated, which was unacceptable.
She said it was putting people off from standing to be a councillor and just because they were in politics, did not mean they should put up with intimidation.
Cllr Clare Mosdell, the leader of the Conservative group, said it was something all councillors could agree with but hoped it was not all “fluff and flannel”.
She said: “Life becomes difficult with regular abuse … but when it is reported [to the council] there is no support.
“You are told to expect it as a county councillor — it doesn’t matter if it is making you ill.
“What are we doing to stop it? Change it? We need to have something like a standards board as there is no punishment for this behaviour.
“I completely get it but I want to know what will be done to protect councillors and staff.”
Cllr Chris Jarman echoed Cllr Mosdell and said there would be an overwhelming desire to support the motion but there needed to be robust processes in place within the council to deal with the issues.
He said previous matters raised with the council had not been dealt with in the way most would have expected.
The national campaign also aims to raise public awareness of the role of councillors in local communities and encourage healthy debate.
Controversial Freshwater And Newport Housing Proposals To Be Decided This Week
Line-Up Announced For 2025 Isle Of Wight Story Festival
Have Your Say On How Isle Of Wight Council Should Spend Its Money
Island Family Launches Appeal For Teenage Son With Brain Tumour
Ryde Farmhouse Set For Demolition Despite Local Protestor
CCTV Image Released After Handbag Is Stolen From Isle Of Wight Bus
Fishing Trio All At Sea As Cowes RNLI Called Out
Interview With Wightlink CEO Katy Taylor
Godshill Primary Campaigners And Council Express Relief After Closure U-Turn
Godshill Primary To Remain Open But Closure Notices Issued For Five Other Island Primary Schools
We 'Shal' Not Be Moved: Shalfleet Councillors Release Statement Over Recent Walkouts
Former Isle Of Wight Police Who Died On Duty Honoured By King
Councillor Slams School Place Planning Process 'Basic Flaws'
School Closures Decision Provisionally Agreed Following Late Night Council Meeting
Shanklin Man In Drug-Driving Arrest Following Crash
Nine Houses Planned For 'Superfluous' Ryde Demolition Yard
Isle Of Wight West MP Richard Quigley Responds To Vestas Redundancy Announcement
Appeal For Witnesses After Collision In Ryde Leaves Man In 70s Seriously Injured
Host Of New Scam Warnings Issued For Isle Of Wight
Red Funnel Passengers Faced With Thursday Delays
