𝓤𝓷𝓲𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓝𝓮𝔀𝓼

Candidates standing in elections on May 7 are scared to knock on doors because of a massive increase in abuse and intimidation, the official watchdog has warned. The Electoral Commission is working with police across the country to step up action against threats and harassment. Vijay Rangarajan, the watchdog’s chief executive, said: “Abuse not only comes at a great personal cost to individuals but harms our democracy.”

But he accused social media firms of allowing users to spread lies and “horrific threats of violence” on their platforms. The warning comes after MP Sarah Owen revealed she was suspending face-to-face meetings with constituents following three security incidents. The Luton North MP said in an announcement on social media: “I resent having to do this but until I can be assured that my team and those who attend my surgeries are safe, this will have to be the case.”

She added: “Something wonderful about British society is being lost because of the dehumanisation of others.”

But she is just one of the politicians reluctant to face the public, according to the Electoral Commission. One candidate has stopped door-knocking altogether after repeated abuse – with her husband now canvassing voters on her behalf.

A survey following local elections last year found seven out of 10 candidates had avoided some campaign activities due to fear of abuse, with women and ethnic minority candidates most likely to be targeted. Many others have simply vowed never to stand for election again.

The Electoral Commission says it is working with the police to tackle electoral abuse and intimidation and encouraging “all forces to treat allegations seriously and consistently”.

The Government has announced that a new national police unit will be established to target offenders who threaten and harass election candidates, bringing together specialist officers and intelligence experts to monitor reports of abuse from across the country. The aim is to identify repeat offenders and help police forces build stronger cases against them.

A similar arrangement is already in place for MPs, with the new unit extending protection to other politicians.

A Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government spokesperson said: “Harassment and abuse has no place in politics, whether at the national or local level.

“This unacceptable behaviour risks deterring people from taking part in public life, which is why we are introducing much-needed measures to protect candidates, campaigners, and electoral staff.”

Voters across England will elect more than 4,850 councillors across 136 local councils on May 7, with elections for devolved Parliaments also taking place in Scotland and Wales.

Labour is braced for major losses, with the Green Party and independent candidates expected to make gains. Reform could also make significant progress, and leader Nigel Farage hopes the election will confirm that his party, rather than the Conservatives, are the real opposition to Labour.