2nd November 2025

  • Monitoring Officer, Stockport Council
  • Council Complaints Department
  • Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am lodging an urgent formal complaint regarding the conduct of the Leader of Stockport Council, Mark Roberts, in connection with an incident on 1st November in Romiley precinct.

During this incident, Mark Roberts, publicly screamed at me, calling me “toxic.” His aggressive, intimidating behaviour occurred in front of members of the public, who were visibly shocked. My husband had to intervene to prevent further harassment and protect my personal safety.

This incident is part of a repeated pattern of harassment. Mark Roberts has previously made similar derogatory statements about me in writing. Despite my formal requests that he either withdraw these comments or substantiate them, I have received no response.

I consider this behaviour to constitute:

  • Public intimidation and harassment
  • Abuse of authority by an elected official
  • Potential breach of the Local Government Act 2000, which requires councillors to comply with the council’s code of conduct
  • Violation of the council’s Code of Conduct, specifically the requirement to treat others with respect and uphold the integrity of the office

Given the seriousness, I am formally requesting:

  1. An immediate and independent investigation into this incident and the ongoing pattern of harassment.
  2. A formal written response outlining the findings and any corrective or disciplinary actions that will be taken.
  3. Assurance that measures will be implemented to prevent further intimidation, harassment, or misuse of authority by the Leader.

I am notifying multiple oversight bodies simultaneously to ensure the complaint is taken with full seriousness. I expect acknowledgment within 5 working days and will escalate further, including to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman, or pursue legal remedies under harassment and defamation laws if necessary.

This behaviour has caused significant distress and reputational damage, and I urge the council and oversight authorities to treat this matter with the utmost urgency.

Yours sincerely,

Sheila Oliver