Authorities have started an investigation after graffiti reading ‘Jail Starmer’ appeared on the window of MP Clive Efford’s office. The Metropolitan Police noted they received a criminal damage report on Saturday regarding the incident at Efford’s Eltham & Chislehurst office in South London.
This constituency, newly won by Labour, was previously a Conservative stronghold in 2019.
The graffiti, written in white, was discovered on Friday night. Labour MPs have been sharing images of the vandalism in their WhatsApp groups, according to sources. Despite this, Efford has minimised the severity of the incident.
Sources tell me this has been circulating around Labour MPs’ WhatsApp groups this morning. Anti-Starmer graffiti daubed on window of Clive Efford’s office in Eltham & Chislehurst in wake of row over freebies. This a new seat, but was notionally Conservative in 2019. pic.twitter.com/6jJZSgvJR6
— Beth Rigby (@BethRigby) September 21, 2024
The safety of politicians has been a growing concern, especially after the murders of Jo Cox and Sir David Amess. MPs have increasingly reported facing a hostile atmosphere, including death threats, harassment, attacks on their offices, and protests at their homes.
Earlier this year, ahead of the general election, Tory MP Mike Freer resigned, citing personal safety concerns after an arson attack on his office. This fresh act of vandalism has emerged as the Labour Party Conference is set to begin in Liverpool, the first such event in 15 years with Labour in government.
In a formal statement, the Met Police reported: “On Saturday 21, September, police received an allegation of criminal damage to an office building in Westmount Road SE9. Graffiti had been daubed on the premises the previous day. An investigation has been launched and enquiries are ongoing.”
What Other Media Are Saying
- The Standard reports on a Metropolitan Police investigation into graffiti reading ‘Jail Starmer’ at an MP’s office, highlighting potential political tensions and police response. (Read more)
- Yahoo News reports a police investigation into ‘Jail Starmer’ graffiti on an MP’s office, highlighting potential threats to public figures and the need for swift action against vandalism. (Read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What happened at Clive Efford’s office?
Graffiti saying ‘Jail Starmer’ was painted on the window.
Where did the graffiti incident occur?
It occurred at Clive Efford’s office in Eltham & Chislehurst, South London.
How have Labour MPs reacted to the graffiti incident?
They shared an image of the vandalism in their WhatsApp groups.
Why did Tory MP Mike Freer step down?
He stepped down over personal safety concerns after an arson attack on his office.
What should you do if you have information about the graffiti incident?
Call 101 quoting CAD 2672/21Sep.
