A newly elected Salford Reform UK councillor has rejected claims that he has been avoiding council meetings, stating that his duties have been impacted by an online death threat.
Barton and Winton ward representative Michael Felse reported a Facebook comment to police in April. The comment included an image of a noose with the caption 'we’re coming for you'.
Greater Manchester Police are understood to be investigating the post.
Coun Felse told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “The police and council safeguarding have taken it very seriously. I’ve been advised not to advertise my whereabouts; not to hold open surgeries for my ward members; or to walk around my ward on my own.
“It’s all been very stressful for me as I suffer from clinical PTSD. The stress and anxiety interferes with my ability to carry out my duties as a councillor. I’d like to be able to send out my details so people can contact me, but I’m not supposed to do that while I’m in a protected state.”
Coun Felse said he has been left 'looking over his shoulder', but is carrying out his duties as a councillor and committee member the best he can.
An Eccles Labour Facebook page had criticised Coun Felse for not attending meetings. He denied the claims, sharing the council’s attendance log, which shows he has missed no meetings since his induction, three weeks after his election at the Barton and Winton by-election on April 22.
“I have attended every meeting I’m supposed to be in,” he added. “The suggestion otherwise is hurtful.”
A Salford council spokesperson said: “Councillor Michael Felse has received a threat via social media, which has been reported to Greater Manchester Police and is currently being investigated.
“The council takes the safety and wellbeing of all elected members and staff extremely seriously and have undertaken a risk assessment to review the circumstances and identify appropriate risk and precautionary arrangements. The wellbeing and safety of all councillors and employees is a key priority for the council and to ensure that people are supported and able to carry out their roles safely.
“As this is an ongoing police matter, it is not appropriate to comment further on the investigation.”
GMP has been contacted for comment.
