Reflecting on the event, COSLA President, Councillor Morrison said:

"I thank our valued colleagues from Local Government, The Scottish Government, media and the public and third sectors who took part in our roundtable discussion this week.

“This roundtable has been convened out of necessity, as globally we see an unprecedented rise in abuse and intimidation towards elected members, particularly those from underrepresented groups. This rise has been fuelled by misinformation—especially around council tax and councillor remuneration—and amplified by the growing influence of social media. Platforms that once connected communities are now increasingly used to spread hate speech, misogyny, and threats, creating a hostile environment for those in public office.

“While robust debate is vital to democratic life, when discourse becomes personal, threatening and toxic, it undermines participation and representation.”

COSLA Vice President, Councillor Steven Heddle, added:

“Discussions like this one are an important step in the right direction and demonstrate a real opportunity to show that in Scotland we can hold ourselves to a higher standard of debate.

“Today as co-chairs of the COSLA Barriers to Elected Office Special Interest Group, we have signed the pledge from the Jo Cox Foundation and Compassion in Politics, placing Honesty, Respect and Compassion at the heart of political discourse.

“Participants will take time to reflect on today’s discussion and in partnership, will collectively develop an action plan. It's important to make sure any action is meaningful; we owe it to current and future elected members to ensure we have tangible change and will take the time to ensure we get this right.”

Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government, Shona Robison said:

“The abusive behaviour towards councillors and council leaders, particularly female councillors, on social media following the increases to Council Tax was shocking and unacceptable.

“Whilst I recognise and welcome the right to challenge and question politicians, there is no space for abuse or violence in any walk of life.

“Today’s discussions go some way to recognising the importance of honesty, compassion and respect in politics and in society more generally. The Scottish Government will continue to work with our partners in doing all we can to ensure elected members can conduct their duties free of violence, threats and abuse.”

Will  Fletcher, Interim CEO of the Jo Cox Foundation, said:

"The abuse and intimidation of elected representatives is a threat to our democracy. It results in Councillors standing down from their roles, puts others off entering politics in the first place, and stifles debate. Given that women and those from minority ethnic backgrounds are most likely to be targets for abuse, it risks halting and even reversing the progress that has been made in making our parliaments and councils more representative.

"I was pleased to join today's roundtable, and heartened to see colleagues from so many organisations come together to take a stand against abuse. The discussions that we had and the action plan that will be created out of them are an important first step. We at The Jo Cox Foundation look forward to continuing to work with partners in Scotland so that we can put an end to this abuse and foster the democracy that we all deserve, where everyone can participate in our political discourse and be treated with respect."