A heightened security presence safeguarded the West of England Combined Authority’s political leaders’ meeting on Friday after Mayor Helen Godwin was chased and cornered by a protester earlier in the week.
On Monday, March 23, during a scrutiny panel meeting at the WECA offices, activists from community union Acorn pursued Mayor Godwin through the building. The confrontation escalated when a man followed her into a lift and refused to leave, leaving the mayor feeling “trapped and unsafe.” Police were called to the scene, although no arrests were made.
To ensure the safety of all participants, when council leaders reconvened for the WECA committee meeting on Friday, March 27, security was significantly increased. Measures included bag searches and security personnel positioned throughout the WECA headquarters at 70 Redcliff Street, Bristol — notably stationed between the public seating and committee area.
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Opening the meeting, Mayor Godwin addressed the security changes, stating, “You will have noticed additional measures to ensure everyone’s safety and security. Following the incident earlier this week, these protocols are in place to protect all involved. I want to thank the officers across the combined authority who have helped enable this safe meeting.”
Jerome Thomas, chair of Monday’s scrutiny meeting and Bristol City Council representative for Clifton and Green, expressed support for the security measures: “We were concerned about Monday’s incident and fully endorse the additional precautions taken today to safeguard everyone.”
Mayor Godwin recounted her experience during the Monday meeting, explaining that as she attempted to leave, a group of protesters openly chased her, shouting aggressively. “A man followed me into a lift and, despite repeated requests, refused to leave,” she said. “People, especially women, will understand how frightening this was—I felt trapped and unsafe.”
She condemned such intimidation tactics: “Aggression is not activism. Intimidating politicians in this manner has no place in our society.”
In response, Acorn countered that their intentions were misrepresented. They stated they had been attempting to discuss pre-election commitments made by Ms. Godwin concerning housing insecurity, bailiff enforcement, and the public’s control of bus services. The union added, “When Godwin left early, we sought to engage her outside, but she refused. Her claim of being trapped is odd, given that her own security blocked her exit.”
Acorn also highlighted their perspective on intimidation, saying: “Our members understand what it is like to face intimidation—from walking home with no bus service late at night, to stand-offs with bailiffs using physicality, to enduring rough sleeping due to inadequate housing support.”
The incident has sparked an ongoing conversation about the boundaries of activism and the necessity of ensuring safety for public officials and citizens alike.