The day after I was on the news about threats to councillors I became a subject of a long running campaign re comments made in a public meeting that were then grossly misinterpreted online
13/06/24 investigation cleared me of everything no evidence to substantiate any complaints
I’ve received an email to sign a letter saying Antisemitism is weaponised & I need to support a ceasefire in Gaza. If I don’t my name will be published.
I’ll save you the bother
@JamesGilesRBK
I’m not signing it on principle
Signing anything is a choice, not coerced 🧵
To the person who tried to deface my car while I’ve been out this morning campaigning in Coventry North West.
Wanka should end with ‘er’ the Swastika you drew was the wrong way round and the police have been informed
As a politician in
#Nuneaton
a town in the Midlands I can honestly say the vote in Westminster does nothing for us.
People are angry
#Brexit
needs to be done. Those delaying it need to come to where I represent & tell residents why their vote is being ignored or doesn’t count
Being democratically elected you should appreciate this
Signing anything is a choice, not coerced, pressured forced obligation set out by a stranger
Concentrate on local services not pushing fear tactics on foreign policy. I totally reject your attempted forced endorsement🧵
🧵3
It's crucial to distinguish between legitimate criticism of policies & the dangerous rhetoric that promotes hatred and violence. Where is your direct outrage & criticism of Hamas & the atrocities they committed? There is none in your email
@JamesGilesRBK
@JamesGilesRBK
🧵4
To not unequivocally condemn Hamas is not only morally bankrupt but also a betrayal of British values
Let's be unequivocal: Antisemitism is an abhorrent form of hatred that has persisted throughout history, causing immense pain and suffering.
@janinemas0n
Try this one. cllrs voting on behalf of others 1 under the influence, Mayor technically & constitutionally illiterate had teams meeting control taken away. It descended into chaos from agenda item at 38mins in & ends with the playing of the Soviet Anthem
@JamesGilesRBK
🧵7
Accusing those who condemn antisemitism of "weaponising" it is an insult to the countless individuals who have suffered . Particularly the women & girls raped by Hamas on 7th Oct
We cannot and should not turn a blind eye to this under the guise of political posturing
@JamesGilesRBK
🧵6
Antisemitism is not a political tool; it's a toxic ideology that has fuelled discrimination, violence, and unspeakable atrocities. Some of which were perpetrated by Hamas on 7th Oct 2023.
@JamesGilesRBK
🧵12
Let me be unequivocal: I will not be coerced, bullied, or threatened into submission. My commitment is to the people I represent, and I will not compromise my principles for political expediency. Any threats & attempts at coercion have no place in our democracy.
@JamesGilesRBK
@LGAcomms
🧵19
In my opinion publishing the details of those who don't sign, is not only morally reprehensible but could be a grave danger to individuals & our democratic process.
This must not be tolerated.
This thread is in the interests of accountability.
@JamesGilesRBK
🧵5
To suggest that condemning antisemitism is a ploy, or by virtue of the fact your email lacks condemnation of terrorist organisations so they should be exempt from criticism is not only misguided, but dangerous.
@JamesGilesRBK
🧵8
Terrorism, regardless of its origin, deserves unequivocal condemnation. Again something you specifically fail to do in your e-mail.
History has shown us the tragic consequences of appeasement & silence.
@JamesGilesRBK
@LGAcomms
🧵16
The safety of public servants, particularly women, must be paramount. To exploit their fear or potential vulnerabilities for gain is a betrayal of this.
Having been harassed in the course of my duties as a councillor, you have no idea how angry this sentence made me
@JamesGilesRBK
🧵13
I call on my fellow councillors to stand together against these tactics. We must unite in rejecting coercion, upholding democratic values, & ensuring the safety of all those who serve their communities.
@LGAcomms
@JamesGilesRBK
🧵9
Claiming antisemitism is being weaponised contributes to a climate where hatred can thrive unchecked. It is incumbent upon all of us to recognise the gravity of antisemitism and terrorism in equal measure, irrespective of political leanings.
@JamesGilesRBK
🧵11
The tragic event involving Sir David Amess MP & what’s going on outside MP’s offices now shows the real dangers politicians can face. Tapping into a possible fear of incidents happening to councillors to get signatures is wrong & shows a blatant disregard for their safety
@JamesGilesRBK
@LGAcomms
🧵14
I believe local politicians, especially women, already face heightened personal risks in their service to the community. It is disgraceful to send me an email which contains what looks to me like something exploiting these risks in an attempt to forced support .
@JamesGilesRBK
@LGAcomms
🧵18
I find the email I’ve received an Incredibly disturbing attempt at political coercion targeting local councillors to sign a letter.
Warning of exposure of those who don’t sign, under the guise of accountability, is in my opinion wrong, undemocratic & totally unacceptable.
@JamesGilesRBK
@LGAcomms
🧵17
I urge everyone who has received this email to reject what I see as coercive tactics
Democracy is built on diverse voices, not on the suppression of dissent through what can be interpreted by the individual email recipient as veiled threats of exposure for of lack of support
@JamesGilesRBK
🧵10
Political discourse thrives on open dialogue & respect for diverse opinions. However, attempting to force local councillors to sign a political letter under the shadow of exposure is, in my opinion, not just unethical but a gross violation of democratic principles.
The newly elected MP for Coventry North West has just voted against Brexit despite hustings & election promises that she would support leaving the EU.
Labour never change, tell people one thing to get their vote then do something else when elected.
#YouCantTrustLabour
@JamesGilesRBK
@LGAcomms
🧵15
Threatening exposure & therefore potential harm to those who don't sign is not only unethical but downright dangerous where coercion & fear tactics reign. Again safety of local politicians may be compromised by these actions, people like me who have bad experiences know it.
So much food
@asda
is now giving some of it away for free
@ArchRose90
No food shortages, Christmas presents available, fuel in forecourts, Omicron not as bad as the ‘predictions’ despite everything the doom merchants in the media will try to have us believe
@TelePolitics
Ahhh yes, because Cornish pasties, pork pies & cheddar cheese travel so well in suitcases full of clothes and toiletries.
PG Tips isn’t mentioned as soon to be contraband so it’s all good.
@RidgeOnSunday
@SkyNews
And she’s deputy leader?! Has she not been watching the daily briefings?
Everything she’s complained about was covered in them over the last few days. Including the constant complaints about testing. New virus & Can’t test if the tests aren’t accurate!!
Stop with the nonsense!!
Hey
@Channel4News
next time you complain about Government representatives not coming on your programmes just add this to the list of reasons why, then re-read the list.
Eventually you’ll have the💡moment I’m sure
@InsiderFood
It’s a chip butty, sold in every chippy in the UK since forever 😂😂. Now if you’re impressed with that a pie butty, affectionately known as a Wigan Kebab, will really bake your noodle 😂😂
I have to say I’m gutted to not to be the MP for Coventry North West but we ran a great campaign and took an 8500 Labour Majority down to 208 which was amazing given the time we did it in.
Onwards & Upwards everyone!
Many thanks to
@kentaylorcovent
for hosting some of our volunteers this evening at a thank you event - huge thanks to everyone for their help during this campaign.
Lovely words of thanks from
@Pete_Male
,
@MrsGolby
&
@SophieCRichards
.
Onwards to May with enthusiasm!
@Conservatives
in
#Coventry
select three fantastic candidates for the General Election. Mattie Heaven for Coventry South, Clare Golby for Coventry North West and Sophie Richards for Coventry North East.
@CSkidmoreUK
@CEN_HQ
The rest of the country mostly believe in leaving the place in a better condition than we found it, not this dogmatic net zero mantra which is causing plenty of side issues in itself. Net zero got traction because no one in Westminster wanted to be the one to say anything else.
This is a disgusting sentiment. Having met
@patel4witham
She’s extremely articulate, well educated & experienced. Successful in her own right. I hear off those who know that
@sajidjavid
is the same. Their appointments are not due to internalised whiteness
Less than a week until polling day.
If you, like me, think the EU Ref should be honoured, regardless of if you voted leave or remain, then the Conservatives are the only party who pledge to & actually can get
#GetBrexitDone
.
We need to move on.
#VoteConservative
#voteGolby
Brilliant launch & Conservative Campaign day in Coventry North West. Great speaking with people on the doorsteps who are fed up with Labour letting them down. Real fears about a Corbyn Government too.
Thanks to everyone who came along & lets
#TurnCoventryBlue
#VoteConservative
1910 Suffragettes tried to storm the House of Commons. Today I’m on the ballot to be elected to HoC
I’m thankful for those who fought for my democratic right & that’s why I’ve walked miles today to deliver my message supporting democracy
#CovNW
#VoteGolby
to
#GetBrexitDone
In Coventry NW Taking a majority of 8500 down to 208 in 5 weeks was no mean feat.
We worked hard & got the
@CVConservatives
message out. People listened. It’s a shame we lost by such a small amount but that’s democracy.
Maybe next time.
@GMB
@piersmorgan
Piers and co are part of the problem. They’ve torn at every decision made just to create headlines. That makes making difficult decisions much harder. Ironic they do this then go on holiday or support their family doing whatever they want while calling everybody else Covidiots
@RidgeOnSunday
@SkyNews
@UKLabour
@jessphillips
@Keir_Starmer
What she’s saying is women can’t achieve unless men take pity and step aside! Utter rubbish.
Don’t ever tell women they can’t achieve unless a man ‘Passes the mic’. The aims should be a level playing field for both men & women not all women lists because you don’t get the best!
He’s not worried about the effects of Labour anti-semitism on the Jewish community, he’s worried it could cost Labour the Election.
Priorities are totally in the wrong order here
@theJeremyVine
He clearly says he thought the car was flashing a thanks and he hadn’t seen the left turning so He saw the indication but assumed the car wasn’t actually going to complete a manoeuvre. He then undertakes. Is that what’s appalling?
The fact that he’s also described Karl Marx as one of his main influences & has said he wants to overthrow capitalism should be a major concern for everyone.
We want more Jobs in the Midlands & that only comes with aspirational people striving to achieve.
#VoteConservative2019
Labour's pick for Chancellor says he would RAISE TAX for people with incomes of just £20,000 a year – including pensioners.
"It will be Budget one." - John McDonnell.
#CostOfCorbyn
A local Labour Councillor is allocated a £4,678 allowance for the chairing of a single 30 min committee meeting. Others had to chair the rest of the meetings in the municipal year & got nothing
Around £9,356 per hour will buy you a lot of Châteauneuf-du-Pape won’t it
Hypocrites
Another councillor to add to our Nuneaton & Bedworth
@Conservatives
Group.
Lots of hard work locally to achieve what’s been achieved so far.
Gain from Labour, greens poll the same as last election.
@CSkidmoreUK
@CEN_HQ
I’ve campaigned in many elections both local & GE & it never comes up on the doorstep as a priority from most people outside of the south.
Better roads, schools, health, low tax low cost of living are. Get that right & environmental improvements are a consequence not a driver
It’s almost as if the small amount of wealthy people don’t pay a considerable amount of the tax take. Top 1% earners pay approx 30% tax take. Up from 24% & that’s according to left bible The Guardian
Zarah doesn’t let facts get in the way of a good socialist narrative though.
@paulmasonnews
@afneil
So we now have to interpret what Mr Corbyn says because what he says isn’t what he means, or does he mean what he says until someone disproves it with facts, then it’s all down to misinterpretation?
At last nights full council I wanted to address evidenced support for antisemitic behaviour in the local
@ukLabour
Party Momentum group. You’d have thought NBBC Labour would’ve wanted to as well but the mayor took the emergency decision to close the meeting with one motion left!
I see the antisemitic supporting Nuneaton and Bedworth momentum’s Labour Party
@MomentumNun
have deleted their Twitter and Facebook accounts. Too Late. The damage is already done.
Got a lovely Christmas card & letter off
@BorisJohnson
thanking me for my work as a candidate in GE2019
Though I didn’t win I’m incredibly proud of the achievement in Coventry North West.
Looking forward to getting back out campaigning for
@andy4wm
& my council seat in May 2020
Neither can I.
No wonder
@CoventryLabour
reps wouldn’t confirm their North West Candidates Brexit Position. That article on the pro-EU website kind of gave it away though.
I’ve lived locally for nearly 20 years and want to
#GetBrexitDone
so we can all move on.
#VoteGolby
#CovNW
Really enjoyed being out and about for
@MrsGolby
in Coventry North West this afternoon!
The people I’ve spoken to cannot believe that Labour are trying to get a Remainer from London in to represent a Leave voting city in the Midlands!
#VoteGolby
#VoteConservative
@deGourlay
@AEHALL1983
@DailyMirror
I think this whole episode has shone a light on how certain sections of the media misrepresent situations.
The fact we can all watch the daily update then see these journalists in action with the muckraking and irrelevant questions has been a big eye opener.
@wallaceme
We’ve worked hard for this in Nuneaton and Bedworth. Conservatives are a credible alternative to the poor labour leadership locally for years.We’ve delivered more in a year than labour did in 10.
People locally recognise this.
Twitter & London media isn’t real life.
I immediately proposed a TV debate with
@sajidjavid
as part of the election process.
However, it now appears that for all his bluster and bravado he's doing all he possibly can to wriggle out of any debate.
If he doesn't sign up, I suggest that the broadcasters empty chair him.
Very pleased to say that as Deputy Leader of the NBBC
@Conservatives
group I played a part in this.
@NuneatonMatters
@BedworthTories
are more than capable of delivering for our borough & have hit the ground running.
Sitting opposite
@pritipatel
as she uses her identity as an Asian person to silence
@FloEshalomi
as a black person, because Flo very reasonably questions this government’s policies that institutionally discriminate against black AND Asian people.
I feel sick.
Coventry. Taken for granted by labour for years.
Now the mere mention of the city’s name spoken in such dismissive tones by
#sneeringkier
When will people realise.
Should’ve voted
@CVConservatives
@Tim_R_Dawson
Best comment I’ve seen so far was from a rabid lefty saying “he earned his money he can do what he wants with it” well if that’s good for the goose it’s good for the gander....... or the donkey
Nuneaton Market today.
No Tomato short here. Plenty of cucumbers and other fresh veg too.
Perhaps the supermarkets could learn a bit about supply chain management from local traders.
#shoplocal
Woke up this morning to a raft of DM’s gloating about my election loss
So:
I’m still a county councillor
No more political restriction = business is booming
Sun is shining
I’ll never be pathetic or sad enough to send unsolicited DM’s like the ones I receive
Have a great day😁
@WJames_Reuters
Let me correct that contextualisation. No it isn’t. It’s an insult and meant as such.
She’s totally out of touch if she thinks any different
I started work when I was still at school washing pots in a restaurant kitchen for £2.50ph
I grew up in a deprived part of the country & knew if I wanted anything I had to work for it.
I’m now the Conservative Parliamentary candidate for Coventry North West
#VoteGolby
#Coventry
We're at the stage of Brexit where people are proposing re-introducing child labour to fill in for the hard-working migrants we are about to lose. This is not satire. God help us.
Now at 1k.19 left for VW to continue, convert the bus, & to enable me to solely focus on taking the fight to the ballot burglars of Britain. Remainers raised millions for the likes of Femi to fight democracy. Please help by chipping in £2 to defend it
@ArchRose90
But if you post antisemitic comments on social media when you’re 17 you’re apparently not mature enough to know what you’re doing. Or so Labour says when the same person stood for election to Parliament at age 26.
@BBCOne
I’m amazed
@BBCOne
have managed to get him to stop shouting F**k
@BorisJohnson
or complaining about lefty politics and the UK being racist 100%, long enough to record anything remotely religious for Christmas Day.
Looking at this thread I’m not alone.
Out in Radford and the rain is absolutely pouring down.
Jess Phillips has got nothing on us
@CVConservatives
Really good response from people for getting Brexit Done. Not hearing much love for Corbyn, McDonnell or Labour in general.
#GE2019
#VoteConservative
@LauraCatriona
There’s nothing more ‘of the times socialist’ than a 30 something from a rich family posting a tweet from Camden, London telling the Northern working classes who broke the red wall their subservience & deference to the rich didn’t put her rich champagne socialist friends in power
Yesterday I lost my
@NBBCouncil
seat by 5 votes. I’ll pick over the reasons why at some point but national picture played a large part.
I got the biggest cheers of the day & see the usual crowd are celebrating my loss.
Funny though, one door closing has led to several opening 😉
Out this morning with
@SophieCRichards
&
@MattieHeaven
celebrating
#GuruNanak550
In Coventry.
Thank you to everyone who was at the Gurdwara Guru Nanak Parkash for your hospitality & very warm welcome on a cold morning
There is no getting away from the fact that Rishi is in a large part responsible for the position we all find ourselves in financially.
His take on it all is laughable. If he was still chancellor I doubt he wouldn’t be changing anything.
#Liz4Leader
is my choice.
Hopefully an answer will be forthcoming,
@RBKingston
are council resources being used for one of your councillors personal crusade?
I sincerely hope not.
@JamesGilesRBK
Not as per your previous email.
Also. I and many others have NEVER signed up to your mailing list.
Please provide the web address of your ‘Councillors for Ceasefire’ website as it seems not to exist with the address for the group being the same as
@RBKingston
council offices