A woman who sent threatening emails and voicemails to Labour MP Ellie Reeves has been jailed for 26 weeks. Tracey Smith, 58, targeted the solicitor general with 22 emails and 10 voicemails, accusing her of being “transphobic” and alleging that her sister, Chancellor Rachel Reeves, had assaulted her at a buffet bar.
Westminster Magistrates' Court heard that Smith used language including “a person is dangerous when they have nothing to lose” and “bullets will be flying around”. District Judge Michael Snow said the offending was intended to cause “maximum fear and distress” and was “a direct attack upon democracy”.
Smith had previously persuaded a county court to issue a witness summons to Reeves, which the MP avoided only with the help of lawyers for the Speaker of the House of Commons. Between July and October 2024, Smith sent emails and voicemails accusing Reeves of “legalising sexual abuse” and being a “fascist”.
Reeves told the trial that Smith left a “slightly menacing” voicemail saying “time is running out”. The MP said the harassment “was upsetting me, it was upsetting my staff. It just felt like it wasn’t going to stop.” The judge noted that Smith’s actions forced Reeves to change her lifestyle, including using a special protection officer and avoiding public transport.
Smith was also ordered to pay £650 in costs and given an indefinite restraining order. She had claimed she was seeking help from her MP, but the judge found her guilty of harassment after a one-day trial last month.
