People who abuse and intimidate those standing for election could be stripped of their right to hold public office under new government proposals.
The Government has launched a consultation into new electoral offence that includes banning people found guilty of threatening or abusive behaviour from standing for or holding public office.
The consultation is also seeking views on the undue influence on voters and the possibility of introducing a digital imprint to election campaigns.
Minister for the constitution, Chloe Smith said: ‘This government recognises that rising intimidation in public life is stopping talented people from standing for election and putting voters off politics and we want to tackle this extremely serious issue.
‘We are consulting on three new measures that will protect voters, candidates and campaigners so they can make their choice at the ballot box or stand for public service without fear of being victims of misinformation or abuse.’
Lord Bew, chair of the Committee on Standards in Public Life, added: ‘People of all backgrounds should not be put off from standing for public office as a result of intimidatory behaviour.’
