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Open letter from Councillor Nick Kelly, Leader of Plymouth City Council

Dear Plymouth,  

Over the past 24 hours I have been reflecting on the media reaction that has been developing regarding some of the comments I made in recent interviews. I want to start by wholeheartedly apologising, particularly to the family and friends of Bobbi-Anne McLeod, if reported statements made by me earlier this week have caused distress and upset. I want to emphasise that in no way shape or form was I ever suggesting that Bobbi-Anne McLeod did anything wrong. She didn’t. This tragedy is in no way her fault. What has happened to her is solely at the hands of the person who took her life.

I am aware that a snippet from one interview I carried out, relating to general community safety issues in the city, and comments made in an informal conversation, have been used to imply the opposite. It could not be further from the truth.

The fact is the streets of Plymouth must be made safer. It is crucially important that no one feels unsafe whilst out and about in the city, but sadly for many women and girls, this is an all too common feeling. We all need to tackle this problem head on. This is something that is far too deep-rooted in society today and an issue we – as individuals and accountable organisations - can simply no longer ignore.

Making Plymouth’s streets safer for everyone is a top priority for my office and Plymouth City Council.

I stand together with women to say that violence against women and girls is unacceptable. And I again apologise unreservedly that my words have taken away this focus, at a time when we should all be working together to grieve for Bobbi-Anne.

Councillor Nick Kelly