Angela Rayner: man arrested for threats to Labor deputy leader

A man was arrested after Labor Deputy Leader Angela Rayner received threatening and insulting phone calls.

The 52-year-old was held by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) on suspicion of malicious communications at a Halifax address on Wednesday morning.

A spokesperson for the lawmaker said she and her staff have received a number of threatening, harmful and offensive communications in recent weeks.

Rayner thanked the police “for their work during these investigations.”

The arrest was directly related to a series of abusive phone calls he received on October 15, police said, with the individual being released on bail pending further investigation.

Det Sgt Christopher Dean, of Greater Manchester Police, said: “Abusive, threatening or bullying behavior towards anyone is completely unacceptable and we will always do everything possible to ensure that those responsible are identified and held accountable for their behavior.

“Even though we have arrested one man, our investigation is still ongoing and we will continue to pursue all available lines of investigation to identify all those responsible.”

A spokesperson for the Ashton-under-Lyne MP added: “Abuses and threats of this nature impact not only Angela, but also her family, children and staff who receive these communications.

“We are working with the police to ensure that the perpetrators of these crimes are brought to justice.”

Ms. Rayner was currently on bereavement leave after losing a loved one and hoped to return to work “as soon as possible,” her spokesperson added.

The arrest comes amid growing concerns over the security of lawmakers and the level of abuse they receive after the killing of Sir David Amess.

The veteran Conservative MP from Southend West was stabbed to death in a suspected terrorist attack during surgery at a constituency in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex.