Alleged threat to knock Reform leader's block off sparks war of words

COUNCILLOR 'FEARED FOR HIS PERSONAL SAFETY' - BUT TORIES REJECT HIS CLAIMS

- By HANNAH RICHARDSON

LEICESTERSHIRE'S Reform and Conservative parties have entered into a public spat over alleged threats of violence.

Reform UK's leader of Leicestershire County Council Dan Harrison used a speech at the full council meeting on Wednesday to level accusations against the deputy leader of the authority's Conservative group.

He claimed that Councillor Craig Smith had “threatened” him with “physical violence”, including alleged threats to “knock [Coun Harrison's] block off” if the leader “hurt someone” Coun Smith “cared for”.

Conservative group leader and leader of the council's opposition Deborah Taylor said Coun Smith completely rejects Coun Harrison's version of events.

She further levelled counter-accusations, claiming threats were also made against herself and Coun Smith at that meeting.

Members of other parties have branded it “embarrassing” that the disagreement was being aired in public, rather than being dealt with behind closed doors.

They said they want the issue resolved so the authority can go back to concentrating on the “many issues that affect the everyday lives of residents”.