The Electoral Commission has issued an urgent plea for respectful debate in the run up to the local elections in May following ‘unacceptable’ levels of intimidation.

New research reveals that 61% of candidates in the 2025 local elections experienced harassment or security threats, with women and ethnic minority candidates facing the most severe abuse.

The impact on democracy is stark: 71% of surveyed candidates admitted to avoiding certain campaign activities out of fear for their safety.

In response, the commission has partnered with the police to establish a national coordination operation and provide bespoke security guidance for those standing for election.

Chief Executive Vijay Rangarajan warned that abuse is ‘damaging our democracy’ and called on social media companies to implement rapid-response protocols to remove abusive content.

‘The abuse and intimidation of candidates, elected officials and electoral workers comes at a great personal cost and is damaging our democracy,’ he said.

‘Our research shows that women and ethnic minority candidates face the most severe levels of abuse. Too many are forced to change how they campaign or are stepping back altogether because they fear for their safety.’

Supported by The Jo Cox Foundation, the commission has published a new set of campaigning principles aimed at maintaining a minimum standard of safety and honesty during robust debate.

Olivia Field, Chief Executive of The Jo Cox Foundation, said: ‘No one should have to risk their safety to take part in democracy. Respectful politics is what makes robust debate and greater diversity possible, reflecting Jo Cox’s belief that “we are far more united and have far more in common than that which divides us.”’

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