Mayor felt 'trapped and unsafe' amid confrontation

A mayor says she felt "trapped" after reportedly being cornered by activists in a lift after a meeting.

Helen Godwin, mayor for the West of England Combined Authority (Weca), which covers Bristol, South Gloucestershire, and Bath and North East Somerset, said the incident occurred following a meeting in Bristol on Monday.

Members of the community union Acorn said she presented a "complete unwillingness to engage" when questioned on pledges she had previously agreed to.

In a statement, Godwin said: "Aggression is not activism, and tactics like this designed to intimidate politicians have no place in our society." Avon and Somerset Police said enquiries into the incident were ongoing.

Godwin said she prides herself on being "open and accessible" to the public and willing to answer questions, describing it as an "important part of our democracy".

"But today, as I tried to leave the room, a group of people ran after me - shouting," she continued.

"A man followed me into a lift and refused to leave, despite being asked repeatedly.

"People, particularly women, will understand just how scary this was. I felt trapped and unsafe. The police had to be called, and they are now investigating."

Acorn said their members tried to confront Godwin as she left the meeting to discuss taking action on public control of buses, bailiff bullying, homelessness and housing.

They claim on 25 April last year, Labour South West's regional communications officer responded to an email asking if Godwin would agree to these pledges.

The email from Godwin's office allegedly stated: "With regards to the pledges that you have sent over, you can mark Helen as a 'yes' for each one".

The union said Godwin's "lack of follow-through on pledges" she made prior to the election "have let everyone down".

"As she left, Acorn members met her in the corridor outside and tried to ask questions, but were met with a complete unwillingness to engage," they said.

"The claim that she was 'trapped' is particularly odd, given that it was her own security that blocked her exit rather than any members of Acorn.

"We just want a meeting, and it's very disappointing to see the mayor completely blow questions being asked out of proportion to avoid taking responsibility for promises she made," they added.

Tony Dyer, leader of Bristol City Council, described the incident as "deeply disturbing".

"Nobody has the right to impose their will on another person through physical, verbal or emotional intimidation," he said.

"This is a fundamental principle of living in a democratic and free society, where people must be able to go about their work and daily lives without fear."

A spokesman for Avon and Somerset Police said officers had attended the Weca offices on Redcliff Street at about 10.30 GMT on Monday.

"(We) received a report that an elected official was confronted by members of the public following a meeting," the spokesman said.

"Enquiries into this incident are ongoing."

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