Public Statement:
Public Statement: Speaking Up Shouldn’t Mean Being Silenced
I’ve taken some time to reflect before saying anything publicly. But recent events have left me confused, disheartened, and needing to share what’s happened—not for attention or conflict, but because I believe in honesty, fairness, and the importance of being heard.
As a disabled advocate and resident of County Durham, I recently raised a formal complaint about the conduct of a sitting councillor. This wasn’t something I did lightly. The behaviour I flagged involved public misinformation, a misuse of influence, and actions that had already harmed me and others in the community—especially those of us who are vulnerable or marginalised.
I submitted my complaint with context, evidence, and a respectful request for anonymity due to past targeting. Despite this, I was told the complaint is unlikely to proceed, that my name cannot be protected, and that I may wish to withdraw it.
What I’m struggling to understand is this:
How is it that I—someone who does not work for the council—can be penalised for raising concerns, yet those in official positions who behave harmfully are shielded from consequences?
At times, it feels as though accountability is applied most harshly to those simply trying to speak up, while being quietly avoided when it involves those in positions of power. That imbalance is not only unjust—it’s dangerous.
My disability and employment support podcast was halted over vague complaints, yet councillors making inappropriate public statements or causing real harm continue unchecked. It sends a difficult message: that telling the truth as a disabled person comes with risks, while misconduct from those in office is treated with silence.
I don’t share this because I want conflict—I don’t. I share it because I still believe in a better system. I still believe that disabled voices matter, that fairness matters, and that we deserve to live in communities where safety and support are not conditional on silence.
Thank you to everyone who’s quietly stood by me. I will keep advocating, not because it’s easy, but because it’s needed.
Sarah Wingfield
Independent Disability Advocate
#fightinginjustice and #doublestandards
