The recent analysis conducted by the Electoral Commission unveiled a troubling trend concerning the level of abuse faced by candidates participating in the general election. This study indicated that over half of the candidates reported encountering some form of abuse during their campaigning efforts. A significant portion, approximately one-third of these candidates, experienced intimidation or an unsettling feeling of lack of safety at least once, while more than one in ten (13%) faced severe threats, harassment, or other forms of intimidation.
These alarming findings emerge in the wake of strengthened measures instituted following the tragic murders of MPs Jo Cox and Sir David Amess, which spurred a revision of security protocols surrounding parliamentary candidates. There are now stricter regulations in place, such that individuals convicted of intimidation offenses related to elections face the potential of a five-year ban from holding elected positions. In light of these developments, Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle has expressed concern over the unacceptable nature of some incidents that took place during the campaign period.
Reports from candidates described myriad forms of abuse, from slashed tires and milkshake-throwing incidents to physical threats targeting candidates’ families. The 2024 general election marked a pivotal moment, as all 4,515 candidates were afforded basic security provisions, including access to designated police officers and enhanced guidelines for respectful campaigning. Nevertheless, a concerning portion of respondents to a survey, which comprised 717 candidates, illustrated that nearly half (46%) faced harassment or threats during door-to-door campaigns, with an additional 25% reporting harassment during campaign events.
The spectrum of abuse extends into the digital realm, with two-thirds of candidates indicating that they encountered online harassment. The Electoral Commission has consequently advocated for improved online protections and more robust consequences for criminal behavior associated with election campaigns. Among the proposed measures, there are calls for more stringent political party membership rules, as well as a review to establish secure campaigning zones to ensure the safety of candidates.
Vijay Rangarajan, the chief executive of the Electoral Commission, emphasized the urgent need for coordinated actions to safeguard candidates ahead of forthcoming elections in Wales and Scotland in 2026, as well as future general elections across the UK. He underscored the seriousness of the harassment and intimidation threats faced by candidates and noted that this level of negativity can deter individuals from pursuing candidacy, thereby stifling vibrant democratic engagement.
Particularly worrisome is the disproportionate effect of this climate of fear on women and candidates from ethnic minority groups. Women, for instance, reported incidents of serious abuse at nearly double the rate of men, with one in five (20%) women experiencing severe threats compared to one in ten (11%) men. Moreover, candidates from ethnic minority backgrounds were over three times more likely to report serious abuse compared to their white counterparts, with 34% of ethnic minority candidates indicating such experiences against just 11% of white candidates.
The report highlights the significant ramifications of abuse and intimidation on campaign activities, especially among female candidates. A striking 66% of female respondents admitted they modified their campaigning strategies to avoid going out alone for fear of potential abuse. The concerns voiced by female candidates echoed a broader sentiment—that they were deliberately targeted due to their gender. Many indicated a compounding sense of vulnerability, with reports of unwelcome physical contact and verbal aggression becoming a common experience.
Personal testimonies compiled in the report bolster these findings, with candidates recounting their experiences of intimidating encounters and the pervasive impact this had on their willingness to engage with the public directly. One female candidate recounted how she opted to limit her door-to-door campaigning, sending her husband instead due to the rougher encounters she faced. Furthermore, an overwhelming feeling of futility permeated the experiences of these candidates, as many believed there was little point in reporting such incidents to police.
While the Electoral Commission’s report examined incidents of abuse during the July general election, it also encapsulated findings from other recent elections including the May 2024 Police and Crime Commissioner elections, as well as local and mayoral elections across England. Overall, the commissioned study has not only illuminated the stark reality that candidates face but also raised essential discussions regarding the need for urgent reforms to ensure a safe environment for public servants dedicated to their constituencies.
