The leader of West Northamptonshire Council, Jonathan Nunn, has resigned amid claims of attacks on women, which he “strenuously denies”. Five charities have signed an open letter accusing the council of “inaction” and sending a “dangerous message” about domestic abuse “that could literally cost lives”. The letter, signed by Black Women’s Domestic Abuse Group, Northamptonshire Domestic Abuse Service, Nene Valley Christian Family Refuge (Eve), Northamptonshire Rape Crisis and Creating Equalz, requests that urgent action be taken to respond to the numerous accusations against Mr Nunn.
The council’s chief executive, Anna Earnshaw, commented that a domestic abuse allegation had not been “downplayed or downgraded”. Co-author of the letter, Christine Morgan from Eve, said that “in any other profession, to protect someone from these allegations, that person is likely to have been at least suspended when that investigation was undertaken”, and added that this sends out the wrong message to victims and survivors of domestic abuse. She went on to say that there should be a consistent, coherent message that victims will be believed, and that “inaction serves to reinforce that domestic abuse has to be proven first”.
Mrs Earnshaw has assured the charities that the council fully appreciates and understands their concerns, saying it has been an exceptionally challenging time for everyone involved, including staff who have experienced domestic abuse. She also stated that, as chief executive, she has no legal powers to suspend or remove an elected member from their role as councillor. Despite this, the charities are calling on the council to respond to the allegations against Mr Nunn to prove victims will be believed, and to protect the reputation of the council and services in Northamptonshire.
Northamptonshire Police have confirmed preliminary inquiries are underway to investigate the allegations made against Mr Nunn. The authority has confirmed a new leader will be elected at the annual meeting on 16 May. Meanwhile, Mr Nunn has said he is “pursuing discussions with the police relating to the relentless harassment [he has] experienced”, which he claims has been a huge distraction to him and to the council’s good work. He added that he had decided to step down as council leader while he dealt with these issues, citing the impact they have had on his mental health and wellbeing.
The open letter was signed in hopes of bringing attention to this issue and prompting action from the council. It is imperative for individuals, organisations and governments to take domestic abuse allegations seriously to ensure that victims are given the proper support and so that abusers are held accountable for their actions
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