Call for general election to be free from candidate abuse in Scotland

New research conducted by the Electoral Commission has uncovered significant levels of abuse faced by candidates in the May 2024 elections.

In England, 43% of candidates surveyed reported experiencing some kind of abuse or intimidation, with 10% describing it as a serious problem. This increased to 56% when respondents were presented with a list of specific scenarios, such as receiving physical threats or threats towards family, staff or friends.

The issue was particularly severe among women candidates, with 56% avoiding campaigning alone, compared to 19% of men. Nearly half (47%) of the women who responded avoided discussing controversial topics to keep themselves safe, compared to 20% of men who responded.

These levels echo the findings at the Scottish council elections in 2022 when 44% of candidates reported experiencing abuse and intimidation with 11% describing it as a serious problem.

Ahead of the UK general election, the Electoral Commission is calling for a campaign free from abuse.

Today, we have published updated guidance which outlines the actions and behaviours that may constitute a criminal offence. We urge candidates to report these to the police, and campaigners to educate their staff and volunteers on the importance of safe campaigning.

Vijay Rangarajan, Chief Executive of the Electoral Commission, said:

"Campaigning is vital to our democracy and usually carried out respectfully. However, our research shows that far too many candidates are facing harassment and abuse.

“This can deter candidates from campaigning or standing altogether, significantly impacting voter choice and access to information.

“Threats of violence, unwanted contact, and discriminatory abuse are illegal. With the police we are today publishing safe campaigning guidelines, and we are working together to raise awareness. We urge campaigners to educate their teams about what they can do.”

The Commission gathers and analyses data on candidate intimidation and will continue to monitor and share its findings to inform a wider understanding of the threats facing candidates.

Su Moore, Chief Executive of the Jo Cox Foundation, said:

"Through the Jo Cox Civility Commission, we highlighted how abuse and intimidation of politicians negatively affects democracy in the UK and this new research reveals the scale of abuse in our elections, with particularly stark figures on how it is impacting women candidates.

“We all have a responsibility for changing the perception that elected representatives are acceptable targets of abuse and intimidation. For candidates standing in the General Election, we have launched a Civility Pledge in collaboration with Compassion in Politics, which we are urging all candidates to sign as a commitment to running a respectful campaign."

Assistant Chief Constable Gary Ritchie from Police Scotland said:

“Our priority is to ensure public safety and security and to facilitate a peaceful democratic process. We are ready to respond in a proportionate manner to any issues which may arise and we will engage with candidates and issue security advice where appropriate.“

Ends

For more information contact the Electoral Commission press office on 0131 225 0211, out of office hours 07789 920 414 or [email protected].