‘Worst year in memory’: parties describe climate of abuse on campaign trail for May elections

Candidates and political parties across England, Scotland, and Wales have reported a significant rise in abuse and intimidation during the campaign period for the 2026 local and devolved elections. The Green Party described this election cycle as the worst in memory, citing instances of death threats, harassment, and candidates being chased or yelled at while canvassing. Labour’s security minister, Dan Jarvis, condemned the growing trend of abuse, emphasizing that such behavior threatens democratic processes and must not be normalized. The Electoral Commission, which will release a detailed report on the 2026 elections in the autumn, has previously highlighted the prevalence of harassment in recent campaigns. Research from the Commission showed that 61% of candidates in the 2025 local elections in England experienced harassment or security threats, with 71% avoiding some campaign activities due to fear of abuse. Abuse has been reported across the political spectrum, affecting candidates from various parties and backgrounds. Notably, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage criticized social media platform X, owned by Elon Musk, for failing to address the “utterly appalling abuse” directed at minority ethnic candidates. Meanwhile, Labour’s West Midlands mayor, Richard Parker, revealed he had been threatened and followed while campaigning. The Scottish Trades Union Congress condemned rising racial and Islamophobic harassment ahead of the Scottish Parliament elections, and Plaid Cymru noted an increasingly toxic online environment. These incidents underscore growing concerns about the safety and well-being of candidates and the broader implications for democratic engagement in the UK.