Police have dropped their investigation after a former Labour Party manager tweeted he would “load the revolver” if the Tower Hamlets Mayor was Labour’s candidate for the 2016 London Mayoral election.
After suggestions of a ticket featuring Mayor Lutfur Rahman were rebuffed, Rob Marchant said on social networking site Twitter: “Phew. If not I will load the revolver and we can all take turns.”
He added: “Ah. [makes mental note to keep revolver well cleaned and oiled].”
The tweets were reported by Mayor Rahman, with Mr Marchant insisting they inferred self-harm rather than a threat.
After police dropped enquiries, Mr Marchant wrote: “…if the reaction of calling the police was one of genuine discomfort due to misunderstanding the nature of the joke, then I regret any such discomfort caused.
“This was a joke between friends, and it was on us, not you, Lutfur”, he added.
Mayor Rahman then faced criticism for having reported the remarks to police.
But he responded: “I frequently receive abuse and threats — mainly from racist extremists of the EDL-ilk.
“That and the sheer violence of Marchant’s language in discussing me should explain why I acted when the tweets were drawn to my attention”, he concluded.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here