As residents of Hartlepool, we feel deeply distressed by recent events surrounding Councillor Steve Wallace. His position carries a responsibility to serve and protect his constituents. Instead, he pleads guilty to assaulting a woman by beating and stands accused of sexual assault. This frightening situation directly impacts us. I live in Hartlepool, my child lives in Hartlepool, and so do many women I know and respect. How can we feel safe knowing that someone who should be representing our interests is instead accused of such heinous acts?

Many of us recall the recently reported cases where individuals in power misused their authority, causing harm to countless people, especially women. The crime rate against women in England has been consistently high. In 2020, there were about 618,000 recorded cases of violence against women in England and Wales alone (source: Office for National Statistics, UK). We cannot ignore such alarming numbers and the reality they represent.

Hartlepool deserves better. We call on the controlling authorities to take immediate action by removing Steve Wallace from his position. His status as a councillor should not serve as a shield for these egregious actions. As residents of Hartlepool, we deserve representatives who respect and uphold our rights, not threaten our safety. Please sign this petition to support the removal of Steve Wallace from his position.