Police to meet councillors after online abuse posts

Political leaders and the police are set to meet at Lancashire County Council to discuss social media posts made by some councillors.

It has been arranged by the chief executive and will see opposition leaders and the leader of the authority speak to a representative from Lancashire Constabulary.

The BBC understands that a number of complaints have been made about some members of Reform UK, with opposition councillors accusing them of intimidating female members.

A spokesman for the council said: "An informal meeting has been set up with police colleagues to consider a number of social media posts recently placed by councillors from different political parties."

It is understood that the police will talk to the councillors about Operation Ford, which is an initiative to support local councillors with security matters.

The leader of the opposition at County Hall Azhar Ali welcomed the meeting.

He said: "There should be zero tolerance towards bullying, harassment and intimidation and no councillor should feel threatened."

Reform UK leader of the council Stephen Atkinson said: "I am disappointed that this informal meeting which was designed to focus on strong community leadership and high standards is being politicised."

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.