Without security there it could have been a lot worse - MP Chris Webb on Blackpool jobs fair incident
I have been besieged with a number of threats and death threats since I have been elected are the words from MP Chris Webb when speaking about the latest incident.
The latest incident took place at the Winter Gardens Job Fair which was organised by the MP last Thursday, where a 42-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of public order.
Now the Labour MP for Blackpool South has spoken out saying that, even before the jobs fair had taken place, he had received intel of a threat against him.
He said: “I have been besieged with a number of threats and death threats since I have been elected.
“I had received intel that someone was going to punch me in the face.
“The team at the event were superb. I didn’t even see the individual.
“Two police officers who were signing up recruits intervened.”
Asked how he brushes off such threats in a ‘normal’ manner, he added: “It is a concern I now need to have security with me at public events.
“Every week my routine to events changes as does my daily life routine.
“I have had to make adjustments.”
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I ask does it not deter him from the job having to constantly look over his shoulder? “Since becoming MP I have helped over 12,500 people.
“It’s a sad state of affairs that MPs have to travel with security but without them it could have been a lot worse.
“I think the Crown Prosecution Service need to take this more seriously and charge more with this.”
Tom O’Keefe, 42, of Cross Street, Blackpool, has since been charged with Section 5 Public Order.
He is due to appear at Lancaster Magistrates Court next month.