Rise in abuse of election candidates is ‘changing politics’ in England

Electoral Commission finds abuse, particularly of women, minority ethnic and disabled people, is affecting candidates' behaviour

Abuse and intimidation of election candidates is a serious and growing concern", the Electoral Commission has said, as a review of this year's local and mayoral elections in England revealed a surge in threats to those who stood.

More than half of the candidates for Labour or Reform UK reported abuse while those most likely to be targeted were women, people from minority ethnic backgrounds and those with disabilities.