Torfaen: TikTok rant prompts council social media training call

Sue Malson called out online haters in a three-minute video posted to her social media platforms

There are calls for councillors to be trained in social media after one posted a rant claiming she would "take down" online trolls.

Torfaen council's Sue Malson addressed unnamed men over "false allegations" against her in the TikTok clip which was later deleted.

The council said it was aware of the video and had offered advice to Ms Malson.

It said it understood no official complaint has been made.

Council leader Anthony Hunt said the three-minute video, which contained several swear words, showed how the public failed to show respect to councillors, and that he had spoken to police.

Giles Davies, independent councillor for Abersychan, asked the council leader if he would commit to "obligatory extensive training for councillors on the use of social media, with an emphasis on code of conduct and acceptable behaviour towards residents".

Mr Hunt responded by again criticising behaviour towards councillors.

Independent councillor Giles Davies called on the authority to commit to "extensive training" for all councillors following the video

Mr Hunt said all members received training and thanked the "hard working" staff in members services who he said "adjust and develop" training for councillors.

He added: "We all try our best as councillors to show consideration to others, something I'd hope you would recognise in me and how I try to lead this council.

"But please also remember councillors are human beings with their own battles and burdens. Sometimes social media can bring out the worst in people and the goading and abuse of councillors I've seen over the years doesn't help anyone or anything."

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