Calls made for civility at upcoming elections, amid rise in abuse aimed at councillors

The Local Government Association (LGA), the Electoral Commission and the Jo Cox Foundation have made a joint call for no abuse towards candidates during the upcoming local elections.

The organisations have urged voters to treat candidates with dignity and respect and not to engage in behaviour that may constitute harassment or intimidation, amid a rise in such incidents being reported by councillors.

Levels of abuse and intimidation aimed at councillors have been increasing, with 82 per cent of councillors feeling personally at risk in 2023, up 9 per cent from the year before, the LGA said.

LGA research also found that three quarters (75 per cent) of councillors in England and Wales experienced some form of intimidation or abuse during the 2023 local election campaign.

A survey by the Electoral Commission meanwhile revealed that nearly a quarter (24 per cent) of candidates at the last set of local elections experienced someone intentionally making them feel unsafe. 12 per cent of those who experienced harassment reported this to the police.

Although the majority of abuse is at a low level, a growing number of councillors have experienced more severe abuse, including stalking and threats of violence, some of which has resulted in criminal prosecutions, the LGA noted.

It added that the rising levels of abuse towards local politicians is a threat to democracy and is potentially putting off talented people from becoming councillors.

Cllr Marianne Overton, Chair of the LGA’s Civility in Public Life Steering Group, said: “Anyone, regardless of their background or political affiliation, should feel safe to become a councillor. We must do all we can to stamp out abuse from public life and encourage healthy debate if we are to safeguard the future of our local democracy.”

Louise Edwards, Director of Regulation and Digital Transformation at the Electoral Commission, said the commission would be working with parties and campaigners ahead of the elections to understand their experiences and ensure they know how to report abuse.

Edwards added: “The safety and security of candidates and elected representatives is of paramount importance, and it should go without saying that there is no place in a democracy for abuse or intimidation of those who participate in elections.

“Yet our research shows that candidates standing for election experience abuse, threatening behaviour and intimidation during their campaigns – both on social media and in person."

Adam Carey