Former Conservative candidate claims attacks on his…

Former Conservative candidate claims attacks on his car are politically motivated

A former Conservative Senedd election candidate's car was damaged and egged by a vandal in an attack he claims was politically motivated. It's the second time he has been targeted after his house was vandalised.

Michael Enea reported the incident to police after he discovered his Chevrolet car had been damaged and vandalised on Saturday morning at his Newport home. Both of the wing mirrors had been kicked off, the windscreen wiper had been ripped off, the back of the panel was keyed and eggs had been thrown at the vehicle.

The Conservative Party member said he believed around £400 to £500 of damage had been caused to the car. In 2021, the back door of his house was damaged and a hole had been made at the top of the door, after his address was posted online.

Michael Enea's Chrevrolet car was damaged by vandals at his Newport home (Michael Enea)

Former Conservative candidate Michael Enea says attacks on his car are politically motivated (Michael Enea)

Mr Enea stood as a Conservative candidate for Newport West in last Senedd election, but lost out to Labour's Jane Bryant. He said he believes the attacks on his property were politically fuelled.

The father-of-two said: "With political tensions at the moment and the divisive nature of politics, I'm wondering whether tensions are running high and someone has taken it upon themselves to damage my car. I can't think of another reason.

The local campaigner said nails had previously placed under his tires and eggs had been thrown at his front door. He described the attacks as "mindless vandalism" and "really upsetting" for him and his children.

He said: "My children have had internet trolls and comments on their photos that were very unsavoury. I just block instantly and my account is friends only."

He went on: "It's difficult, it makes you wonder whether it's all worth it. In the past I have defended Labour councillors who have had abuse thrown at them on social media, one person was impersonating the council leader and I called that out. Politicians from all walks of life don't deserve abuse on a personal level and not at their front door."

Mr Enea said he was about to drive his son back to university when he discovered the attack upon his car, and said both he and his son were upset. The beer salesman has posted photos of his car on social media in a bid to publicly shame the vandals.

He added: "To think somebody has tampered with your property like that is upsetting. I know my daughter has been upset in the past when the house has been damaged. To think somebody has been in your back garden and property it sort of invades your privacy which is upsetting."

Gwent Police has been contacted for comment.

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