Agenda item

The following joint notice of motion was put to Council by  Councillor E.V.Latham, Leader of the Labour Group,

Councillor A.Llewelyn, Leader of the Plaid Cymru Group,

Councillor S.Jones, Leader of the Independent Democrats Group.

Members were asked to endorse a Fair Campaign Pledge as detailed as detailed below:

Over recent years we have unfortunately seen an increase in the number of councillors and candidates being subjected to abuse, threats and intimidation.

Behaviour of this kind is not only totally unacceptable it fundamentally undermines and erodes the principles of free speech, democratic engagement and debate in our towns and communities.

As leaders we endeavour to treat everyone with courtesy, kindness and respect and,  on behalf of our respective political groups, along with other council’s across Wales, we stand ‘shoulder to shoulder’ to call for an end to abuse, intimidation and harassment of any kind.

This is particularly relevant as we enter the key period in the run up to the local government elections in May.

We add our voices to support and participate in the fair campaigns pledge and will aim to make use of the resources as produced by the Civility in Public Life programme which are based on positive campaigning and merit, rather than personal attacks and smears against individuals.

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

All of us have the right to carry out our civic duties without fear of being attacked, bullied, intimidated or abused. Any inappropriate behaviour, whether that be verbal, physical, in print or via social media, must be stamped out and action will be taken if deemed necessary.

In all that we say and do we will:-

•        Set an appropriate tone when campaigning

•        Lead by example to foster constructive democratic debate

•        Promote and defend the dignity of others, including our     opponents.

Be kind and fair in your words and actions.