- More than half of candidates in this year's English local elections experienced abuse or harassment during their campaigns, according to an Electoral Commission report.
- The 55 per cent figure marks an increase from 47 per cent the previous year, with online harassment identified as the main form of mistreatment.
- Over half of Labour and Reform UK candidates reported facing abuse, compared to 43 per cent of Green, 26 per cent of Conservative and 22 per cent of Liberal Democrat candidates.
- Despite widespread incidents including verbal attacks, stalking and physical violence, only 15 per cent of targeted candidates reported the abuse to the police.
- Electoral Commission chief executive Vijay Rangarajan warned the rising hostility poses a serious threat to democracy and urged social media companies to remove offensive posts more quickly.
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