Mike Bell, leader of North Somerset Council, recently revealed that he has had to involve the police due to threats made against him. Speaking on BBC Radio Bristol’s John Darvall show on March 25, Bell confirmed that the threats were serious enough to warrant police attention.
The discussion touched on the growing hostility faced by local politicians, highlighted by an incident involving West of England Mayor Helen Godwin. At a West of England Combined Authority (WECA) scrutiny committee on March 23, protestors confronted Godwin, leaving her feeling “trapped and unsafe.” North Somerset is currently undergoing a public consultation as it prepares to join WECA.
Bell described the volume of abusive emails he receives, often accusing him of incompetence and demanding his resignation, typically while also seeking assistance with local issues. However, his primary concern is the abuse directed at council staff.
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“I chose to stand for election, so I can endure this. But my heart goes out to the hardworking council staff who are often underpaid despite common misconceptions about public sector salaries,” Bell said.
He urged the public to consider the impact of their words: “Imagine waking up every day hearing that you’re incompetent, overpaid, or corrupt. That’s the reality many public servants face—whether elected or employed.”
Calling for civility, Bell asked, “Is this really how we want to conduct our public debate?”
The council is currently grappling with one of the largest council tax increases in the country, with an 8.99% hike authorized by the government. Over 62% of the council’s budget now supports adults’ and children’s social care, services with growing costs and demand that the council is legally required to provide.
When asked about the role of the council, Bell stated, “It should be about making our community better, supporting those in need, and creating a brighter future for our young people. While government policies sometimes constrain us, every day we deliver essential services, protect the vulnerable, and make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.”