Ellie Ames 29 April 2024

Man arrested after councillor reports ‘threat’

Man arrested after councillor reports ‘threat’ image
Councillor Ammar Anwar. (Image: Kirklees Council)

A man has been arrested after a Kirklees councillor told police he was the victim of threatening calls and behaviour.

Ammar Anwar claimed he received a ‘menacing’ phone call from a relative of a political opponent on Friday (26 April) while campaigning in Dewsbury for the local elections.

The councillor said when he got home close to midnight, he found someone ‘waiting’ outside his house and called 999.

Kirklees Police said a Dewsbury man had been arrested on suspicion of public order offences and enquiries were ongoing.

In a post on X, Cllr Anwar said it was the ‘most disheartening event’ he had witnessed in more than 20 years as a politician.

He added: ‘In the United Kingdom, we cherish freedom of speech and the right to participate in local and national politics must always be safeguarded.’

Cllr Anwar serves as an independent councillor after quitting Labour in protest against its stance on the conflict in Gaza.

LocalGov Weekly Round Up image

LocalGov Weekly Round Up

William Eichler, editor of LocalGov.co.uk, reflects on the stories that captured readers’ attention this week.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Aquatics Instructor

Wakefield Council
Grade 6 - Grade 8, 32.5 hours, Permanent
We have an exciting opportunity to be part of the aquatics team in the role of Aquatics Instructor. Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Head of Data Management & Reporting

Essex County Council
£77258.0000 - £90892.0000 per annum
Head of Data Management & ReportingPermanent, Full TimeChelmsford £77,258 to £90,892 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Lead Pesticides Operative

Wakefield Council
£32,061.00 - £34,434.00, Grade 7, 37 hours, Permanent
An opportunity exists in the Council’s Environmental Services for a Lead Pesticides Operative working from our Depot at Normanton. Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Street Cleansing Driver / Operative (Pavement Sweeper)

Wakefield Council
£13,201.50 - £14,071.00, Grade 5, 18.5 hours, Permanent
An opportunity exists in the Council’s Street Scene Services for a part time Street Cleansing Driver / Operative Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Domestic - Older Adults WMF2786e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£24,413.00
We are looking for a friendly and reliable Domestic Assistant to join our team in a caring and supportive environment for older adults. Milnthorpe, Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council
Linkedin Banner