Abuse and intimidation of election candidates have surged, prompting serious concerns from the Electoral Commission following a review of the 2026 local and mayoral elections in England.
Why it matters: The rise in threats against candidates is reshaping the political environment, discouraging individuals from running for office. This trend poses a risk to democratic engagement.
The Electoral Commission reported that more than one-third of candidates in the May 2026 elections considered not standing due to fears of abuse.
Over 1,000 candidates were surveyed, with 40% reporting personal experiences of harassment, intimidation, or threats, up from 34% in 2025.
Women, ethnic minorities, and candidates with disabilities reported higher instances of abuse, with 43%, 52%, and 49% respectively indicating they faced such issues.
Driving the news: The commission's findings highlight a worrying trend in political campaigning, where threats and harassment are becoming commonplace. Candidates described experiences ranging from verbal assaults to being followed and spat at.
More than half of Labour and Reform UK candidates reported experiencing abuse during their campaigns.
Specific incidents included a disabled candidate who felt threatened on their doorstep and could not escape due to their disability.
Another candidate faced online abuse that affected their family, with their child receiving messages labeling them a "racist, fascist, and Nazi."
State of play: The commission's report indicates a marked increase in the perception of abuse as a problem, with figures rising from 37% in 2023 to 55% in 2026.
Candidates reported various forms of abuse, including inappropriate social media contact, misleading information, and personal insults.
One candidate noted that they had to take their husband along for safety during campaigning, a first in their political career.
Many candidates expressed feeling unsafe and vulnerable, leading to changes in their campaigning behavior.
The big picture: The rise in abuse impacts individual candidates and threatens the integrity of the democratic process.
Vijay Rangarajan, chief executive of the Electoral Commission, emphasized that harassment can deter people from participating in politics, which undermines democracy.
The commission called for political parties to support a code of conduct for campaigning and for social media companies to improve protections for candidates.
Rangarajan noted the need for a multi-partisan approach to address these issues, urging respect among all political factions.
What they're saying: Candidates have voiced serious concerns about their safety and the impact of harassment on their willingness to campaign.
One female candidate said, "I feel I have to protect myself in public and not be on my own, for the first time in local politics," highlighting the anxiety many face.
Another candidate described the aggression they encountered, noting, "It was the anger and insults and close confrontation at times which was so aggressive."
Rangarajan stated, "Without improvements to candidate safety, there is a risk that people will be put off standing in future elections."
By the numbers: The statistics reveal a troubling trend in electoral candidate safety and public perception.
79% of female candidates reported avoiding campaigning alone at least once, compared to 46% of male candidates.
57% of female candidates avoided discussing controversial topics, versus 32% of male candidates.
54% of Labour candidates and 59% of Reform UK candidates reported experiencing inappropriate behavior or threats.
Between the lines: The blurring of online and offline abuse is a growing concern, driven in part by social media dynamics.
Rangarajan noted the increasing trend of dehumanization in political discourse, where online interactions spill over into real-life confrontations.
He remarked, "We’re going to see a kind of complete blurring of the online and offline worlds," indicating a shift in how political engagement occurs.
Social media companies are urged to develop rapid response protocols to tackle online abuse more effectively.
What's next: The Electoral Commission is advocating for immediate actions to protect candidates and maintain the integrity of elections.
Proposals under the representation of the people bill aim to safeguard election agents’ home addresses and extend protections to electoral staff.
The commission continues to push for enhanced safety measures for candidates, emphasizing the importance of a respectful political environment.
As the 2026 elections approach, the focus will remain on addressing these challenges to encourage broader participation in the political process.