New police unit to protect local election candidates from intimidation launched

Speaking in Parliament on Thursday (12 March), Security Minister Dan Jarvis reiterated the Government's commitment to providing police protection for councillors, elected mayors, Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs), and candidates for those roles.

In an announcement accompanying his speech, the Home Office and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said a new national police unit will be established this month to target offenders who threaten and harass local election candidates.

It will bring together specialist officers and intelligence experts to monitor reports of abuse from across the country - identifying repeat offenders and helping police forces build stronger cases against them, the Government said.  

This unit builds on a system already in place to protect MPs, expanding protection to people standing for elected office.

The Government extended the service to councillors for the first time last year, in what it called 'Operation Ford', and is now extending it again to cover candidates standing for election to the Welsh Senedd and Scottish Parliament.

It said that new and strengthened guidance will also be issued to frontline officers, with greater clarity on how to respond to incidents involving politicians.

Dan Jarvis said: "Harassment, intimidation, abuse, and violence are not acceptable political expression. We will never tolerate it, nor allow it to become the new normal.

"This is a year-round task, but we’re ramping up action ahead of local elections by putting in place protections and support for those campaigning, and ensuring any offenders face tough consequences."

Assistant Chief Constable Mark Williams, Head of the National Police Coordination Centre, added: "A network of trained officers has been established to offer bespoke support and guidance to candidates. This will help minimise risk while campaigning and provide guidance on any online and social media concerns.

"A national operation has also been stood up to ensure forces are aligned and able to share the most up to date intelligence."

The Local Government Association (LGA) published its own guidance on Operation Ford in February 2026.

Adam Carey