A village councillor who compared the harassment she endured from an anonymous satirical newsletter to the ordeal depicted in TV show Baby Reindeer has announced her resignation. Kerry Walker revealed she plans to step down next month as a councillor for Hoveton Community Council (HCC) and has since relocated across the country.
Mrs Walker, who has served on and off as a councillor since 2016, described her experience as akin to living through her own Baby Reindeer nightmare. Her torment included being subjected to a psychiatric assessment orchestrated by the troll behind the abuse.
She was also targeted with unsolicited emails for house valuations, window replacements, and Reform UK political party newsletters—all without her consent. Norfolk Police has been investigating the Hoveton and Belaugh Bugle, a Facebook page known for satirical posts and criticisms of local council members, for more than four months.
The page, which describes itself as “specialist Edwardian curtain twitchers”, frequently mocks council actions. However, the council alleges the content has escalated into harassment, particularly aimed at Mrs Walker.
“It’s devastating,” Mrs. Walker said. “There were people who jumped on the bandwagon of harassment, and it made my life in the village unbearable. Locally, people started calling me a ‘dog,’ and someone even said they wanted to put a stake in me.
“I know it sounds ridiculous, but it’s something that stays in your mind constantly. When it began to spill over and affect others, I realised I couldn’t return to that environment.
“They’ve destroyed my credibility here and made me look like a witch. I truly enjoyed being a parish councillor, and it’s a personal loss to no longer be part of it. But the amount of effort they’ve put into this is unfathomable.”
The anonymous creator of the Bugle has been posting satirical critiques of the council since 2021, though the council believes the posts now constitute harassment. Mrs Walker said she has suspicions about the identity of the troll and hopes the police will uncover the person responsible.
After relocating and finding a new job, she plans to officially resign as a councillor next month. Reflecting on the ordeal, she added, “The person behind this clearly needs help, and I truly hope they get it. I was already planning to sell my house, but my family encouraged me to leave for good.
“Moving away has been difficult—Hoveton was the place I lived longest. Parish councils often get a bad rap, but we were a good team doing meaningful work for the community. It’s a shame this experience forced me to leave. It shouldn’t reflect on the other councillors.”
Norfolk Police confirmed they are investigating the case. A spokesperson stated: “Police received a report of harassment on June 20, 2024, involving incidents that occurred between August 27, 2023, and June 20, 2024. The victim reported online and phone harassment. Enquiries are ongoing.”
Russell Reeves, chairman of HCC, called the situation “regrettable and shocking.” He said: “It’s deeply sad that Kerry, along with her friends and family, has been subjected to such unfair and cruel treatment. She played a crucial role in driving progress in our village, and her departure is a loss for the community.
“Hoveton will miss her immense contributions to local activities and services.”
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