Key facts
- Over half of Labour and Reform UK candidates reported experiencing abuse or threats.
- Women, ethnic minorities, and disabled candidates were most likely to be targeted.
- A third of candidates may not stand for election again due to harassment.
- 79% of female candidates avoided campaigning alone, compared to 46% of men.
- The Electoral Commission called for social media companies to tackle online abuse.
- 94% of voters in England expressed satisfaction with the voting process.
Abuse and intimidation directed at election candidates in England have surged to a point where it is significantly altering political behavior and potentially deterring individuals from standing for office, according to a review by the Electoral Commission. The report found that over half of candidates from Labour and Reform UK experienced threats, with women, ethnic minorities, and those with disabilities being disproportionately targeted.
Candidates described facing verbal and physical assaults, including being spat at. One candidate recounted needing to protect themselves and avoid campaigning alone due to aggressive confrontations with disillusioned voters. This trend particularly affects female candidates, who were more likely to alter their campaigning strategies, such as avoiding solo canvassing or discussing controversial topics.
Vijay Rangarajan, chief executive of the Electoral Commission, highlighted the increasing 'othering' and dehumanization of political opponents, exacerbated by the blurring lines between online and offline interactions. He noted specific cases of a disabled candidate being threatened and another whose child was distressed by online abuse labeling their parent a racist. The commission is calling for social media companies to implement rapid response protocols for online abuse and for political parties to encourage respectful campaigning.
Despite these concerns, the review found high voter satisfaction with the election process itself, with 94% of voters in England expressing satisfaction. However, concerns about misinformation, including deepfakes, persist among voters. The commission welcomed proposed legislative changes aimed at enhancing protections for election agents, staff, and candidates, including increased sentencing for offenders.