POLITICAL group leaders in Colchester have urged colleagues to be vigilant after an attack on Conservative election campaigner Carla Hales.
Conservative Darius Laws said: “I am going to be asking all our candidates to be mindful about being on their own, that is a key thing, and to make sure someone knows where they are when they are out and about.”
He added: “I have been doing this for about a decade in Colchester.
“You generally find people who disapprove are still polite.
"Occasionally I’ve had leaflets torn up in front of me. I rarely get a door slammed in my face. To hear of this – it is disgusting.”
Tim Young, Colchester Labour leader, said: “We cannot let thuggery triumph over democracy.
“We have said to all our candidates, don’t go out individually, go out in a group because if things happen, you have to try to protect yourselves.”
Mark Cory, the Liberal Democrat council leader, said: “I was very saddened to hear from Darius when he contacted me.
“It is a real shame. People are trying to stand up for their communities and volunteer and don’t deserve that kind of abuse.
"Not all politicians are bad. I hope that everyone else is safe.
“I explained to my group this happened and told them to be careful."
Gerard Oxford, Highwoods Independent Group leader, said: “No candidate should be exposed to this type of behaviour. Disgraceful.”
Mark Goacher, who is standing as a Green party candidate, said in a Facebook statement: “Disgusting. Wishing her a full and speedy recovery. We all do this to help the community, regardless of political colour.”
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