Fareham councillor Joanne Burton reveals 'totally unacceptable and scary' abuse as she stands for Hampshire County Council

A councillor has condemned “totally unacceptable” abuse – but has vowed not to stop speaking up.

Joanne Burton said she has received threatening phone calls from anonymous numbers, had abusive letters posted through her door and more recently, been subject to offensive insults on social media.

She said such abuse has heightened ahead of the local elections on May 7, where she is standing to be re-elected as a councillor for Fareham Sarisbury at Hampshire County Council.

Cllr Burton said: “People think that because you are in a public office, that makes you fair game to be attacked, but it is totally unacceptable. It can be really scary at times.”

Some of the abuse she faced recently online included a man commenting on a Facebook post of hers using derogatory language.

She asked the man to remove his comment, but he refused and continued to comment on her post.

Her reply to the comment read: “If you cannot enter into dialogue and debate without being abusive, you are probably best staying away from social media, or at least my page.”

Cllr Burton was asking for people’s opinions on delivering political party newsletters and election leaflets through people’s doors when the comment was made.

Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Cllr Burton said: “It is healthy to debate but you cannot be abusive. It is totally unacceptable. I am hoping he regrets his actions.

“Councillors are practically volunteers, and we do not get protection, unlike MPs. But I am determined to stand up for what’s right.”

In light of the incident, Cllr Burton made a post on Facebook highlighting the abuse, which has since resulted in an outpouring of support.

She said: “There has been an immense amount of support and people have private messaged me too, which has been really nice. I make no apologies for calling someone out on their behaviour. If I am re-elected on Thursday, I will continue to stand up for residents, myself, and for my community.

“This will not put me off; it makes me more determined. Those of us who are prepared to stand up and speak out undoubtedly receive more abuse.”