Councillors do not earn a salary; district, borough or county councillors get a modest allowance, town or parish councillors get their their travel expenses reimbursed and nothing for the time they give. They do not receive pension benefits. Yet Cheshire East councillors do face death threats, verbal abuse, stalking, and even excrement pushed through their letterboxes.
Councillor Michael Gorman speaks out
Councillor Michael Gorman, of Wilmslow West Ward, explained in an interview with North West Bylines that Cheshire East councillors, while expected to serve their communities with dedication and dignity, receive a backlash of negativity for their efforts.
Yet many are facing stalking, trolling, verbal abuse and threats, and even faeces posted through their letterboxes.
A recent council survey initiated by Cllr Fiona Wilson revealed that 82% of councillors have experienced harassment or abuse, and 33% say they have seriously considered quitting public life altogether.
As Councillor Michael Gorman put it:
The level of intimidation and abuse is shocking and worrying.
The emotional and physical toll of public service
Councillors are increasingly vulnerable, not just online, but in their daily lives. In a recent interview with Cllr Gorman, we discussed some of thedaily issues and challenges faced by local public figures.
Cllr Gorman described how the visibility of the role makes them easy targets: “Becoming and serving as a councillor is a massive privilege and responsibility, but it also means councillors are very visible, often easily accessible to residents and all too often receive appalling abuse.”
Some have been confronted in public, others have received obscene calls or had excrement posted through their doors.
County councillors receive only a modest allowance. Despite this, they are expected to absorb abuse without the protections afforded to salaried professionals.
Reality check
Councillors continue to face threats, stalking, and relentless abuse. A recent Cheshire West council survey found that 82% of councillors had experienced harassment or abuse, with one in three seriously considering stepping down.
Cllr Gorman reflected on the public’s misconceptions.
I’ve heard it countless times – people think we’re on the take and on the make. But the reality is, we serve without salary, we only get a modest allowance, no pension benefits, and often no protection.
The harassment faced by councillors continues to escalate, underscoring the serious challenges highlighted in the council survey.
Appalling abuse
Cllr Gorman shared with us his concern over the growing hostility faced by elected members.The councillor emphasized that the visibility and accessibility make the role particularly vulnerable to abuse from the public:
The level of intimidation and abuse is shocking and worrying. Councillors are local leaders and champions, bridging the gap between residents and local government. It’s not just random. A small number of frequent fliers keep targeting councillors again and again – usually about local issues like parking, potholes, or planning,
He welcomed the council’s recent efforts to address the issue.
We welcome this report and the necessary steps to protect our democratically elected members from abuse, harassment and intimidation. We need debate, not hate – and a kinder public discourse.
Living with abuse
Councillor Michael Gorman, who has served in Cheshire East for several years, talked about the personal toll from the abuse.
He described how the visibility of the role makes councillors easy targets. The abuse isn’t just online – it spills into real life. Councillor Gorman said
You don’t always feel safe. I’ve caught myself looking over my shoulder when walking around town, just to see who is nearby. I’ve had people confront me in public.
Cllr Gorman’s reflections underline the emotional strain of serving in public office without the protections afforded to salaried professionals.
Democracy in decline
The survey that brought this out in the open, conducted by the Corporate Policy Committee in February 2025 at the initiative of Councillor Fiona Wilson, paints a stark picture of the personal risks faced by those serving their communities. Just over half of respondents (53%) felt that existing protection measures were ineffective.
Cllr Fiona Wilson, Chair of the council’s review task and finish group, said at the Council meeting on 8 August 2025
Even I, with all my time in politics, was horrified by the results. What members were saying to us about the impact on them as councillors and on their daily lives – we have to act.
The Local Authority’s report concluded: ‘Unacceptable behaviours directed at councillors are becoming increasingly common, undermining democratic engagement and, in some cases, threatening the safety and wellbeing of those who serve their communities.’
Gender divide what can be done
One of the most striking findings from the survey was the gender disparity in perceived risk. Wilson revealed that:
This gendered dimension adds urgency to the council’s efforts, highlighting the need for tailored support and inclusive safety protocols.
In response, the Local Authority has staged a fight back. Councillor Wilson and her group met with the police and the police and crime commissioner to discuss how best to tackle the problem and deal with those who peddle hate. The Council also voted unanimously in support of a report recommending a number of measures to address these troubling issues.
Among the approved recommendations were:
- A formal reporting process
- A nominated officer for councillor safety
- A comprehensive councillor safety protocol
- Lone-working devices
- Targeted training around conflict prevention and wellbeing
- A member champion for councillor safety
Councillor Wilson emphasized the aim of the initiative:
To understand the scale and nature of the problem and to identify practical, meaningful steps to support and protect our members. Importantly, we have sought to embed a culture of zero tolerance towards abuse and intimidation, recognising that councillor wellbeing was fundamental to a healthy, functioning democracy.
Zero tolerance toward abuse or intimidation
The Council’s actions signal a commitment to fostering a culture of zero tolerance for abuse and intimidation. Head of Democratic Services Brian Reed told the committee on 6 August 2025:
Just in the course of today, I’ve had three instances separately of individual members coming for advice on serious issues.
While challenges remain, especially for female councillors, the Local Authority’s initiatives include:
- dedicated police contacts
- formal reporting processes
- targeted wellbeing training
This represents an essential step toward safeguarding public servants and reinforcing the foundation of local democracy.
Calls for “Debate not hate”
The abuse faced by Cheshire East councillors is not just a crisis of safety. It is also a democratic crisis. These elected officials serve without salary, often without recognition, and now increasingly without protection. If we want to preserve local leadership, we must ensure those who serve are safe, respected, and supported not just in policy, but in practice.
As Councillor Gorman said:
We need debate, not hate, and a kinder public discourse.
