Controversial Election Leaflet Sparks Police Inquiry: Is It Hate Speech or Free Speech?

A police investigation has been launched into a council election candidate’s leaflet, which has raised significant concerns due to its content. David Roy Cox, running as an independent in the upcoming Burford and Carterton West election for Oxfordshire County Council, has faced backlash for using inflammatory language, including terms like “mentally-ill LBTQ [sic] fanatics and their pride flags.”

The leaflet has prompted a complaint from local resident Nikita Haddington-Milner, who expressed feeling violated by its delivery, particularly as her home displays a pride flag. She believes that the language reflects a deliberate stirring of hatred and has reported the flyer to local authorities. Cox, however, remains defiant, asserting that he “stood by everything” in his leaflet and dismissing the offense taken by Haddington-Milner as her problem.

Also featured in the leaflet are calls for a halt on immigration and claims that the right to free speech is under threat. The Thames Valley Police are determining if the leaflet amounts to hate crime, with their investigation currently open.

Political expert Prof Ian McLean acknowledges the seriousness of the complaints but warns against barring candidates from public elections based solely on controversial material. He argues that it’s crucial for voters to critically evaluate the leaflets and make informed decisions at the polls.

Cox is competing against other candidates including Anthony Barrett from the Green Party, Sarah Evans of Reform UK, Nick Field-Johnson from the Conservative Party, Kathy Godwin representing the Lib Dems, and Dave Wesson from Labour.