Councillor's libel law warning over social media fox hunt spat

A debate has gripped Welshpool after a group turned out to protest against the Tanatside Boxing Day hunt, with two councillors involved.

A number of people took to social media over the past week to vent their anger both to and for the protest – with some slamming the councillors’ behaviour, which resulted in an official complaint being made about one councillor to the town council.

However, some comments were alleged to have overstepped the mark, and Dyfed-Powys Police have been contacted over allegations of threats and abuse.

County councillor Graham Breeze, who had a long career working in newspapers, has sounded a warning to people in the town about what they can and can’t put online.

He said: “The traditional parade of the Tanatside Hunt attracts huge crowds and for the first time this year saw a protest from around 15 anti-fox hunting demonstrators, including the two councillors.

“Hundreds took to Facebook to vent their feelings in a ‘for or against’ debate which became too personal for comfort, and saw the police being contacted over allegations of threats and abuse and demands made on Welshpool Town Council to investigate the conduct of two members.

“It’s an interesting debate and yet another reminder to people that publishing their views on social media leaves them exposed to the same libel laws which govern newspapers and any other online publication.”

Councillor Breeze, who stepped down from the town council earlier this year, believes any decision is a tricky one. However, he admitted public actions by elected members will always come under scrutiny.

He added: “It opens up the timeless debate about when a councillor is not appearing in public as a councillor and whether that is really possible.

What any elected councillor must appreciate though is their actions in public will always come under scrutiny and the repercussions always be considered.”