I have faced abuse, assaults and death threats because I’m an MP. It’s making politics a no-go zone | Dawn Butler

A new report highlights the dangers experienced by those who seek to serve the public.

People are being deterred and your democracy is suffering There is a rising tide of abuse in our politics and I feel it every day.

This week, the Electoral Commission warned that harassment and intimidation are changing how candidates campaign , what they feel able to do and whether they stand again.

This is a threat to our democracy – and we cannot ignore it.

The figures are stark.

Commission research into the May 2026 local and mayoral elections in England found that 55% of candidates said harassment or intimidation was a problem, up from 47% in 2025.

Women, ethnic minority candidates and those with disabilities were most likely to encounter abuse.

The experience was so unpleasant that a third considered not standing again.

Dawn Butler is Labour MP for Brent East Continue reading...