Consultation on new offence of intimidating Parliamentary candidates and campaigners
The government has launched a consultation on the introduction of a new offence in electoral law of intimidating Parliamentary candidates and party campaigners.
The new law could see people stripped of their right to stand for or hold public office, should they be found guilty of threatening or abusive behaviour, either in person or online, the Cabinet Office said.
Its consultation paper, Protecting the Debate: Intimidation, Influence, and Information, also considers:
- extending electoral law requirements for an imprint on campaigning materials to electronic communications; and
- clarifying the electoral offence of undue influence. Currently, a person is guilty of undue influence if they threaten electors to vote a certain way or stop them from voting.
The consultation runs until 22 October.
The Cabinet Office suggested that a requirement for imprints would have the benefit of increasing transparency in digital campaigning, “in light of recent concerns about the potential risks of ‘fake news’ and foreign interference in future ballots”.
The consultation on the new offence of intimidating candidates and campaigners follows recommendations from the Committee on Standards in Public Life (CSPL) last year.
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.
“We can’t let intimidation of our candidates, campaigners, the public and those that serve us continue unchecked and I would encourage everyone to take part in this consultation.”
Lord Bew, Chair of the Committee on Standards in Public Life, said: “Intimidation presents a real threat to the integrity, diversity, and vibrancy of our public life.
“People of all backgrounds should not be put off from standing for public office as a result of intimidatory behaviour.
“We warmly welcome that the government are implementing our recommendation to consult on a new electoral offence of intimidating Parliamentary candidates and introducing digital imprints.
“The Electoral Commission identified these gaps in electoral law in evidence to our review, and these measures would play an important part in protecting candidates and voters at election time.”
