Toxicity of debate deterring underrepresented people from standing for election, councils warn

There are growing concerns about the impact an increasing level of toxicity of debate is having on the UK’s democracy, including deterring underrepresented people from standing for election and representing their local communities, the Local Government Association has warned.

In a briefing before a House of Commons debate on language in politics this week (29 February), the LGA acknowledged that debate, disagreement and having different views were "all part of a healthy democracy".

It said, however, that it was vital councils reflect the diversity of the communities they represent when making decisions that directly impact the lives of residents.

“In councils in England, only 33% of councillors are women; we, therefore, have further to go to break down the barriers to women entering and staying in politics and local government,” the LGA said.

A lack of pension contributions, parental leave and flexibility in attending council meetings have been cited as key challenges to women standing for election, it revealed.

“However, over recent years, the issue of general and gendered abuse, harassment and threats has increased, with half of councillors saying abuse has increased in volume since they were first elected in the LGA’s more recent Debate Not Hate survey.”

The LGA warned that abuse alongside councillors’ vulnerability due to the availability of their personal information could dissuade people from standing for election.

It highlighted its research indicating that women, Black and ethnic minority people and LGBTQIA+ people and those with multiple protected characteristics may experience more personalised and higher volumes of more vitriolic abuse, particularly online.

The LGA said candidates needed to feel confident that if elected, they would be supported and protected from inappropriate levels of abuse, threats and harassment.

“Everyone should be able to express their view, challenge others, criticise and disagree with other people’s views, opinions and policies in a robust but civil manner as a part of healthy and democratic debate. However, language and lines of argument that subject individuals, groups of people or organisations to personal attack are unacceptable and create a chilling effect on democracy.”

The briefing added: “This challenge is multi-faceted, and a coordinated effort is needed across the Government to tackle the issues such as the cumulative effect of pile-on abuse online and the normalisation of abuse of public figures that are affecting our democratic institutions and society.”