Man Sentenced for Threatening Labour MP and Prime Minister

In a troubling case highlighting the intersection of politics and online harassment, a man has been sentenced to 23 months in prison after sending over 100 threatening messages to a Labour MP, as well as making menacing threats against the Prime Minister. This incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by public figures in the UK regarding safety and harassment.

Lee White, a 52-year-old resident of Littleport in Cambridgeshire, was arrested on 4 September 2023, following a series of alarming communications directed at Dr. Rosena Allin-Khan, the MP for Tooting in south London. Over a span of just four days, from 29 August to 1 September 2023, White sent a total of 109 messages that were described as “menacing” by the authorities.

The content of these messages was particularly concerning, as they not only included racial abuse but also explicit threats to kill notable political figures, including Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labour Party, as well as other cabinet ministers. In a subsequent police interview, White claimed that his actions stemmed from feelings of frustration regarding an aggravated burglary at a family member’s home, which he alleged was “covered up.” He admitted that the intensity of his messages was exacerbated by boredom.

Despite being released on bail after his initial arrest, White continued to send threatening communications. Between 24 November and 26 November 2024, he directed further menacing messages at his probation officer, in which he threatened to kill everyone at the probation office using grenades and firearms. He also made a disturbing threat to blow up the Parkside police station in Cambridge.

On Tuesday, White appeared at Cambridge Crown Court, where he pleaded guilty to multiple charges including sending threatening communications, harassment without violence, and sending a communication conveying an offensive message. The court subsequently sentenced him to 23 months in prison for these offences. White also acknowledged sending false communications with the intent to cause harm, although he received no separate penalty for this charge.

Detective Constable James Lewis, who led the investigation into White’s actions, condemned the nature of the messages sent by White. He stated, “Lee White’s menacing and threatening messages to the MP and his probation officer were deeply unpleasant and disgraceful, so I’m glad he’s been jailed.” This sentiment reflects a broader concern within law enforcement about the rising tide of threats faced by public officials.

Dr. Rosena Allin-Khan has faced significant security concerns as a result of previous incidents, including one where a different individual allegedly directed “sexist and racist slurs” at her and even attacked a member of her staff. Due to these ongoing threats, Allin-Khan was compelled to cancel in-person advice surgeries for her constituents, as she undertook a safety review. In October 2023, she temporarily suspended regular face-to-face meetings while evaluating her security measures.

The sentencing of Lee White serves as a sobering reminder of the threats that politicians, particularly women and those from minority backgrounds, face in the UK. The case highlights the urgent need for effective measures to protect public figures from harassment and violence, as well as the importance of holding perpetrators accountable for their actions. As society continues to grapple with issues of race and safety in the political realm, the hope remains that incidents like these will lead to broader discussions on how to foster a more respectful and safe environment for all.