The Toxicity Threshold A disturbing trend has emerged in England's local and mayoral elections: the abuse and intimidation of election candidates is becoming increasingly pervasive.
According to the Electoral Commission's review, more than half of Labour and Reform UK candidates reported experiencing some form of harassment or threats, with women, people from minority ethnic backgrounds, and those with disabilities being disproportionately targeted.
The numbers are stark, but it's the personal stories that paint a bleaker picture. Candidates describe being spat at, verbally assaulted, and even physically threatened on doorsteps.