A man from Leicester who disagreed with MP Jess Phillips’ campaign against misogyny was handed just an informal warning by police after complaining about her. Leicestershire Police ruled the messages he sent didn’t cross the line into criminal behaviour.
Jess Creasy Fears Children Could Be Targeted
Creasy warned the incident could open the door to harassment of public figures’ children. She told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, “My children now have a social services record and it sets the green light that in public life, you can target these children. I think most people would think that’s unacceptable.”
Council Panel Takes No Action, Complaint Still on File
A panel of social workers decided no further action was necessary, but Creasy wants a caution recorded against the man. She says a caution would have placed his details on the police intelligence database, providing more accountability.
Warning: Threats May Drive Women Away from Politics
Creasy highlighted how such bullying puts women off entering politics. She said, “It’s not a matter of free speech. The police acted as if his free speech to argue without any evidence at all—he’d never met me, seen my children, he’d never been in a room with us; he simply disagreed with my views.”
Police Take Precautions
Leicestershire Police told the complainant not to contact Creasy again, with no further messages reported. The force stressed their commitment to protecting women and girls, listening to concerns, and tackling violence.
