Kettering Lib Dem candidate steps down over stammer abuse

A parliamentary candidate said he would not be running in the next general election after he endured "intolerable abuse" due to his stammer.

Chris Nelson was formerly Liberal Democrat candidate for Kettering, Northamptonshire.

Mr Nelson said he was "deeply honoured" to stand for Parliament with a openly audible stammer.

But he said politicians made "cruel personal jokes" about it and he was described as "an embarrassment".

Mr Nelson was first selected as the Lib Dem candidate for Kettering in 2010.

He later ran again in the 2019 election, both times finishing in the top three candidates, reported the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

He said the "final straw" had come in August when a politician mocked his stammer in the street.

"It is with great regret, I must now announce and explain my withdrawal from consideration as a parliamentary candidate for Kettering constituency," he said.

"Having been the most recent Lib Dem parliamentary candidate in my hometown of Kettering, and convinced that candidates are important to give the voters a choice, my personal wellbeing has nonetheless caused me to decline offers to be re-nominated.

"The abuse that I have endured has proved intolerable.

"Stammering remains the disability that it is politically acceptable to mock and belittle, and I refuse to be a part of it.

"I remain grateful for the support of my political party and call on all political parties - and all members of society - to do more to challenge the torrent of abuse we are tolerating."

Liberal Democrat leader of Hinckley and Bosworth Council Stuart Bray said: "The abuse that Chris has received is appalling. Politics needs to be an inclusive place where we strive to make people's lives better and treat everyone with respect.

"Chris is exactly the type of passionate and hardworking politician this country needs more of.

"Chris will always have our full support in whatever he decides to do next. Something that I am sure will make a positive impact on many people."

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