Council boss reports 'serious threat of violence'

The leader of Plymouth City Council has reported a "serious threat of violence" to police.

Labour leader Tudor Evans said the threat was made by a member of the public on Monday after weeks of "intense campaigning" for a directly-elected mayor ahead of a referendum to be held on 17 July.

The city council has to hold a referendum after a campaign gathered more than 10,000 signatures in favour of the process.

Devon and Cornwall Police said it received a report of malicious communications and an investigation was ongoing.

The Mayor for Plymouth campaign said it did "not condone any threat of violence under any circumstances".

However, Evans said the pro-mayor campaign had fuelled a toxic atmosphere and called for them to "cease their relentless personal attacks" towards him.

He said he had received a barrage of personal attacks, doctored images and coordinated abuse.

"I didn't report it lightly and I thank the police for their support and investigations," he said.

"I don't share it for sympathy either. I've spent a lifetime standing up for this city. I can take it.

"I'm thinking about those who may come next."

A spokesperson for the Mayor For Plymouth campaign said: "We are absolutely committed to running a fair campaign over the next 29 days until the referendum on 17 July."

Evans previously said the referendum was a waste of public money and would cost about £410,000.

If Plymouth residents voted in favour of a directly-elected mayor, the position would attract a salary of about £75,000.

At a meeting in April to discuss the referendum, Evans said there was a great difference between a possible mayor for Plymouth and the directly-elected mayors in London and Greater Manchester who have greater powers.

A plan to reform local government across the country is ongoing and the government has indicated it wants to scrap directly-elected mayors for single authorities such as Plymouth in favour of mayors for combined authorities.

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