Labour MP recounts frightening encounter with angry constituent at Birmingham surgery
Former minister Liam Byrne told a magistrates' court that an aggressive constituent disrupted his constituency surgery, leaving him fearing the worst.
At a community gazebo surgery in Birmingham, Kevin Sullivan approached Liam Byrne and his two colleagues, demanding explanations about a nearby vehicle and accusing them of supporting grooming gangs. Sullivan then upended the gazebo, prompting Byrne to rescue the equipment while fearing a violent escalation. Byrne said the confrontation evoked memories of the murders of Jo Cox and David Amess and the stabbing of Stephen Timms, leaving him deeply shaken.
The magistrate found Sullivan guilty of using threatening, abusive or insulting words and disorderly conduct, dismissing a second charge involving a colleague. Sullivan was released on conditional bail pending sentencing on November 26, and Byrne now requires two security officers at future surgeries.
Why it matters
The case highlights risks faced by elected officials during public meetings and the need for security at constituency events.
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