Electoral Commission reports rising abuse of election candidates in England

A report by the Electoral Commission reveals a significant rise in the harassment and abuse of local election candidates in England. The watchdog found that 55 per cent of candidates experienced issues during the May elections, an increase from 47 per cent the previous year.

Abuse included verbal insults, physical assault, being followed in the street, and being spat upon. Social media was identified as a primary source of inappropriate contact, affecting 39 per cent of those surveyed. The findings indicate that certain groups are disproportionately targeted, specifically women, people from minority ethnic backgrounds, and individuals with disabilities.

Political affiliation also played a role in the reported levels of abuse. More than half of candidates from the Labour Party and Reform UK reported experiencing harassment, while 43 per cent of Green Party candidates and 26 per cent of Conservatives were affected.

The Commission warned that this trend poses a threat to democracy, as intimidation may deter individuals from entering public life. Approximately one-third of affected candidates indicated they might not stand for election again. Female candidates reported higher rates of behavioral changes to ensure safety, with 79 per cent avoiding campaigning alone at least once.