Nicola Harteveld Withdraws from Council By-Election Following Abuse Directed at Her Son
Nicola Harteveld, a mother who founded an anti-bullying campaign after the death of her daughter, has withdrawn from a political race after her 14-year-old son was verbally abused.
Ms Harteveld removed her name as a candidate in a Pembrokeshire council by-election, stating that two men shouted and swore at her son because she was standing as a Welsh Labour candidate.
She established Megan's Starr Foundation following her daughter's suicide in 2017 to support young people affected by mental health issues or bullying.
The Hakin ward by-election in Milford Haven is scheduled for 17 March, and Welsh Labour confirmed the incident has been reported to Dyfed-Powys Police.
The party stated that investigations into the event are ongoing.
'My Son Was Frightened'
"I have spent nine years spreading the message of kindness, that words hurt, but my family must come first," said Ms Harteveld.
She reported that the men targeted her son near their home on 20 February, using offensive language to describe Harteveld as someone who "loves Labour."
"Whatever the intention, people do not understand that words can hurt and cause damage," she added.
Ms Harteveld explained that her son initially did not tell her about the incident, fearing it might cause her to withdraw from the election.
"I don't care if it is directed at me, because I put myself forward, but I did not put my children forward," she said.
"With this happening when my son was 14, the similarity [to Megan] was too much.
Words took Megan away from us."
She made the decision to withdraw before beginning her campaign.
"If that is the mindset of people, where they can say words like that on the street to someone – to a child – then I am not prepared for my family to face that."
Ms Harteveld decided to stand in the by-election after Welsh Labour leader Eluned Morgan visited her charity.
She did not expect such behaviour, believing councillors work on community issues rather than party politics.
Ms Harteveld had served as a town councillor in Milford Haven for three years and realised she would need "broad shoulders" to stand for Welsh Labour in a county council election.
She was encouraged to try after the Welsh Labour leader, Eluned Morgan, visited her charity.
Ms Harteveld believes experiences like those of her family deter women from engaging in politics.
"These kinds of things stop very good candidates from coming forward," she said.
"It makes me feel very frustrated that there are great women across the country and that women are needed in politics.
We need women's perspectives."
'Threat, Not Politics'
Welsh Labour expressed sadness over Nicola's decision, citing abuse directed at her and her family.
"This is not politics, but intimidation," said a party spokesperson.
"Welsh Labour does not tolerate harassment or threats against any political candidate, elected representative, or their families.
The incident has been reported to Dyfed-Powys Police and recorded as a harassment offence. Police investigations are ongoing."
The spokesperson added that politics should be about "ideas and service to our communities, not personal attacks or insults."
"We should encourage more people to stand, not drive them away."
Other candidates standing include independents Derrick Abbott, Lee James Bridges, and Duncan Edwards; Sam Booth of the Wales Green Party; Brian Taylor of the Welsh Conservatives; Scott Thorley of Reform UK; and Sam Warden of the Welsh Liberal Democrats.
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