Leicestershire's Reform and Conservative parties have entered into a public spat over alleged threats of violence.  

Reform UK leader of Leicestershire County Council Dan Harrison used a speech at the full council meeting on Wednesday, December 3 to level accusations against the deputy leader of the authority's Conservative group. He claimed that Councillor Craig Smith had "threatened" him with "physical violence", including alleged threats to "knock [Cllr Harrison's] block off" if the leader "hurt someone" Cllr Smith "cared for".  

Conservative group leader and leader of the council's opposition Deborah Taylor said Cllr Smith "completely rejects" Cllr Harrison's version of events, however. She further levelled counter-accusations, claiming threats were also made against herself and Coun Smith at that meeting.  

Members of other parties have branded it "embarrassing" that the disagreement was being aired in public, rather than being dealt with behind closed doors. They said they want the issue resolved so the authority can go back to concentrating on the "many issues that affect the everyday lives of residents". 

Addressing the chamber, Cllr Harrison said he had been meeting with Cllrs Taylor and Smith at the time of the alleged incident in a bid to end "direct personal attacks" he felt were being made between members of the two parties on the county council.  

He went on to claim: "Towards the end of our meeting […] Mr Smith threatened me with physical violence and to 'knock my block off if I hurt someone he cared for'.  

"[Deputy council leader Kevin] Crook had to intervene to calm the situation down but naturally I was frightened for my personal safety, and I remain wary of in-person meetings with Mr Smith.  

"I have reported this matter to the police, as I am not satisfied that the leadership of the Conservative Group has dealt effectively with Mr Smith's conduct and behaviour, to which he has admitted in a subsequent email of apology I received.  

"I do not accept that apology and call on their group to take whatever corrective action is necessary."  

Cllr Harrison also stated he had reported the matter to the police.  

Responding, Ms Taylor said Cllr Smith "completely rejects" the leader's account. She continued: "I was personally present at the meeting, [and] I can confirm without hesitation that the account that is presented in the leader's position statement does not reflect what took place.  

"The description of the exchange in both content and tone is wholly inaccurate.  

"It also conveniently misses out the threats made to both myself and to Mr Smith in that meeting.  

"I fully support Mr Smith in refuting the version of events that have been put on public record today." 

She added Cllr Smith would not be commenting on the accusations levelled against him as he was "seeking legal advice" regarding the claims made, but said he was prepared to "provide a full and accurate description" of the alleged incident to the police "should he be asked to do so". 

Labour group leader on the authority Jewel Miah said he was "embarrassed" by the public nature of the dispute.  

He added: "We're embarrassing ourselves. This kind of thing shouldn't be aired in public. 

"I understand the seriousness of it, but it should be sorted out behind closed doors, and it seems to not have been. I think an investigation is required." 

Liberal Democrat leader Michael Mullaney added: "There are really serious issues facing this authority.  

"We have responsibility for incredibly important services, whether it's social care to the most vulnerable members of society, whether it's the pressure on special educational needs, whether it's the poor state of roads and pavements.  

"Many, many issues that affect the everyday lives of residents.  

"So it's very disappointing that we have got to a situation where personal disputes and threats of violence are down as the main issue for discussion.  

"Hopefully these issues can be resolved so we can concentrate on the issues we know we need to concentrate on as an authority." 

A spokeswoman for Leicestershire Police told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: "Enquiries are being carried out into an allegation of a verbal threat made towards another person in October. No arrests have been made as our investigation continues." 

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READ MORE: 'A bold new council for future generations': Leicestershire County Council submits reorganisation plans

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