A LETTER asking councillors in Worcestershire and across the country to show their support for a ceasefire in Gaza which ‘threatened’ those who didn’t sign has been criticised.
Councillors from all parties across the county were sent a letter and e-mail from Coun James Giles from the Royal Borough of Kingston, calling for recipients to sign up to a call for an immediate ceasefire in Israel and Gaza, with those not signing being publicly named.
The letter has provoked criticism with a number of elected councillors taking to social media to criticise the ‘threatening’ tone of the letter.
In response, Coun Shaun Davies, chair of the Local Government Association, united with all LGA Group Leaders, said:
“The LGA does not endorse how this recent communication from Coun Giles was as sent, nor the hurt, worry and distress that this has caused. We can also confirm that the LGA did not share any councillor email contact information.
“Pending investigation, Cllr Giles has stood down from all formal positions within the Local Government Association and all upcoming speaking opportunities at our events, with immediate effect.
“We understand the Royal Borough of Kingston’s Monitoring Officer, the Information Commissioner’s Office and the Metropolitan Police are aware of this ongoing situation.”
EDITOR’S NOTE: An earlier version of this story stated Coun Jamal Chohan sent the e-mail referenced above. The Observer wishes to make clear while Coun Chohan co-authored the letter calling for peace and ceasefire in Gaza, he did not send the e-mail.
