Local Councillors: Recruitment, Retention and Well-being

Lord Mott Excerpts

Thursday 4th June 2026 Grand Committee

[Lord Mott (Con)]

My Lords, I thank the noble Lord, Lord Forbes, for bringing forward this timely debate and for his powerful opening speech. The growing abuse and intimidation aimed at those who serve in public life is a fundamental threat to our democracy and the integrity of our democratic processes.

Having spent much of my 30-year career in political campaigning, I know at first hand that councillors are at the heart of our communities and, very often, our political parties. Yet, unlike many of those in national politics, they often operate with little support. They work from their homes, make themselves readily accessible to residents and balance public service with careers and families. That openness is a strength of our local government, but it leaves councillors uniquely exposed. We must consider the chilling message that this abuse sends to those considering public life. Why would talented people put themselves forward if it means exposing families to harassment and physical threats?

This challenge cannot be separated from the increasingly polarised political environment in which many councillors now operate. While people should be free to express their views on conflicts, political disagreement must never become a pretext for racial or religious hatred, including the alarming rise in antisemitism in recent years. This has been compounded by the rise in single-issue independent campaigns dominated by toxic identity politics and international issues, even when the office sought is a local one.

I urge the Government to ensure that the Defending Democracy Taskforce further examines these local threats. We also need concrete action now. We cannot simply ask for more reports, more recommendations and more delay. Will the Minister set out what further practical steps can be taken now to protect councillors from increasing abuse and intimidation? If we do not act now, I fear that fewer and fewer people will step forward to serve, and our democracy will suffer.