'Office attack shows politics' toxic side' - ex-MP

A former MP has said vandalism at her Leicester East constituency office was "a direct attack" on democracy.

During General Election campaigning in July, Jonathan Sculthorpe damaged a window at Claudia Webbe's Uppingham Road base.

On 19 December, the 44-year-old, of St Johns in Enderby, pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage.

Following the Leicester Magistrates' Court hearing, the then independent Leicester East MP told the Local Democracy Reporting Service it was "disheartening to see how toxic politics has become".

CCTV footage showed Sculthorpe kicking and spitting at the building, and attempting to cover up an image of Ms Webbe, she said.

Ms Webbe, who ran as an independent and lost her seat to Conservative candidate Shivani Raja, said after the sentencing it was "not a random attack" and was thankful she was not at the office at the time.

She said: "I am mindful that two members of Parliament have been killed in recent years by those who seek to silence our voices and views.

"This act of violence causing criminal damage was a direct attack on our democratic process and the principles that underpin our society.

"While I am relieved that justice has been served in this case, it is disheartening to see how toxic politics has become, which allows such incidents to occur in the first place.

"I urge all members of our community and civil society to remain vigilant and committed to upholding the values of democracy and justice.

"We must continue to work together to ensure that our democratic processes are respected and protected."

Sculthorpe was fined £40, and ordered to pay £85 costs to the Crown Prosecution Service and a £16 victim surcharge.

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