MP for Warwick and Leamington Matt Western supports Cllr Mini Mangat following reports that she has received racist abuse since being elected as chair of Warwick District Council.

In this political climate, it takes real courage to put yourself forward for public office.

It takes much more courage for women and people of colour to do so – knowing, unfortunately, you risk being on the receiving end of sexist and racist hatred and abuse.

Cllr Mini Mangat is Warwick District Council's youngest chairperson – and the first female of colour to occupy the role.

She has shown incredible courage, integrity, and strength to speak out about the abhorrent abuse she has received in the last few months.

Let me be clear: what Mini has endured has no place in politics or Warwick district's welcoming and diverse communities.

I'm encouraged that Warwick District Council has shown solidarity with Mini and I'm glad the police are taking this seriously.

But for too long in this country has civilised debate been polluted by those very politicians who wield the greatest influence.

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And for too long has the coarsening of political language gone unchecked, creating dangerous polarisation.

It should be no surprise to anyone that racism remains an unacceptable reality for so many people in British society.

But as I told Mini, it will be so powerful for other women and people of colour to see her standing strong and fighting back against hatred.

Her stand will empower others to come forward while it will also educate people that racism, sexism, and other forms of discrimination will never be tolerated – and is based on ignorance.

She is one of Labour's bright young stars, and someone who has spent her entire life fighting racism.

She has my full solidarity.