Political View: Social media hate could put women off becoming involved in politics

Who would have thought we would be at it again, campaigning for yet another election in Fletton and Woodston just after the May elections were finished? We went from no elections at all at the start of the year to campaigning non-stop from January to July, writes Green Party's Cllr Heather Skibsted.

But for our group it has all been worth it. We now have two new councillors and are now seven strong – the largest the Green group has ever been. Our new Cllrs, Ed Murphy and Kat Sharp who are both representing Fletton and Woodston ward will be a formidable team.

Ed is an experienced councillor already and will always champion the rights and needs of our residents. Kat is new to politics but has valuable experience in the social housing sector and has already shown herself to be conscientious, hard working and very approachable to everyone. We welcome them to our team and look forward to being able to do even more both on the council and in our wards.

 However, I have to say following Kat’s success, I was appalled at the extraordinary levels of vindictiveness of the comments on the recent Peterborough Telegraph facebook post. It certainly shows how women in politics get attacked just for winning an election and that it is not even their politics they get attacked for. Many remarks were personal and vile. Sadly this seems to reflect the social media world we now inhabit.

Female Politicians from all parties experience this and somehow we need to send a message of how unacceptable this is, and platforms should moderate comments more carefully.

 Cllr Shabina Qayyum, leader of the council had this to say “Whilst I have differing politics to Kat Sharp we accept her win in the by-election with good grace. I am absolutely horrified by the awful comments on social media about her. I stand with her in support to stamp out this hate. As the first female Asian leader of the council I know only too well how this abuse feels as I have been on the receiving end myself, and quite frankly those who make such comments should be ashamed. I will reach out to Kat in the coming days as leader to offer my support with anything that can be done”.

We all know that there is a “rough and tumble” of political life but this level of hate is becoming disturbing and will put off potential excellent female candidates. This must change.

On a lighter note, we look forward to continuing to work with our colleagues whilst holding the administration to account with our replenished group. We look forward to seeing what LGR brings to the region. 

This is what our new Cllr Kat Sharp has to say about her recent victory:

“I am saddened at the thought that capable and talented people considering going into politics could see the reaction to my election win and be put off trying for fear of experiencing the same. I hope that will not be the case. Despite the abuse I received on social media, I am over the moon to represent Fletton and Woodston. I have already been working hard in the ward and will continue to do so. I look forward to meeting more residents and helping those in need”.