Newark Advertiser Reader Letter: Concerning online posts from Newark MP Robert Jenrick

I write with grave concern regarding the recent conduct of our elected Member of Parliament, Robert Jenrick.

Our constituency trusted Mr Jenrick to lead and enact positive changes in our community, not to engage in bullying tactics and propagate divisive, intimidating narratives.

Within his first week of re-election, Mr Jenrick has been using social media to single out local councillors based on their voting records, coupled with false and misleading statements about them.

This behaviour is both inappropriate and unethical. While there is no objection to the dissemination of voting information or our MP expressing his disagreements with how members voted, how this has been executed is deeply troubling.

His "wanted" themed graphic, public shaming through facial photographs and a menacing tone— is intimidating and manipulating aggression towards councillors.

Consequently, he has sparked a plethora of online abuse, accusations, and bullying of some of our town councillors.

The intimidation and abuse of councillors, whether in person or online, severely undermine our democratic process. It obstructs elected members from effectively representing their communities, damages people's mental health, and erodes public trust.

Since the general election was called, there has been an escalating toxicity in public and political discourse, especially here locally, and nothing good has come from it.

Councillors become scared, and residents and their needs are pushed to the sidelines. Councillors must feel safe to serve their constituents.

I call upon Mr Jenrick to cease his bullying tactics and to engage in responsible and constructive discourse. Our community deserves a leader who fosters unity and collaboration, not division and fear.

Sincerely, Councillor Emma Oldham