A parish council clerk in the Midlands has launched a powerful counter-attack against online bullies, condemning a 'torrent of hatred' that culminated in the public shaming of the council chairman over false claims she was on her phone during a Remembrance service.
A Ceremony Interrupted by Online Allegations
The final straw for Jane Lees, the Clerk at Hadley and Leegomery Parish Council in Telford, came after a photograph sparked a wave of Facebook accusations. The image appeared to show the council's chairman, Councillor Eileen Callear, who is also the Mayor of Telford, using her mobile phone at the Remembrance cenotaph service.
Councillor Callear has vehemently denied the allegations, insisting she was 'misrepresented' in the photo. She explained that the picture was taken as she was 'putting my phone away and turning it off' in preparation for the ceremony, which had not yet begun.
An Armistice Day Plea Against Cyberbullying
In an emotional post on the parish council's Facebook page on Armistice Day, Clerk Jane Lees addressed the issue directly. She began by honouring the fallen, whose ultimate sacrifice was for home and neighbours, before turning her attention to what she termed a 'different kind of warrior'.
Lees revealed that for the past two years, she has witnessed an 'outpouring of hate' on local community Facebook pages. This online abuse has specifically targeted staff and councillors of the parish council. She highlighted the severe real-world consequences, stating that 'victims of cyberbullying are at a significantly elevated risk for suicidal ideation and attempts.'
She criticised the anonymity of the attackers, noting they make 'the vilest allegations from the safety of their bedrooms' but often lack the courage to confront their subjects face-to-face. Lees also accused page administrators of censorship, claiming they remove posts that challenge the negative narrative, creating a false impression of truth.
Calling for a Return to Community Values
Councillor Eileen Callear expressed her exhaustion with the 'bullying and harassment' she faces, often on a daily basis. She labelled her online critics 'cowards' who anonymously sit back and criticise on Facebook, contrasting their actions with her own hard work for the local area.
Both officials are now demanding an end to the toxic behaviour. Their Armistice Day message was a plea for reflection and a return to the core values of respect, dignity, and truth. Lees concluded her post with a powerful call to action, urging residents to question the source of online information and to help build 'a community that heroes long to return home to.'
