‘Worst year in memory’: parties describe climate of abuse on campaign trail for May elections

The Electoral Commission will publish its report on the 2026 elections, including its findings on abuse and intimidation, in the autumn. Photograph: Geoffrey Swaine/Shutterstock

Candidates and political parties have described a climate of abuse in this year’s local and devolved elections, including death threats and intimidation while campaigning.

Politicians from a range of parties have reported abuse and harassment in the lead-up to the elections in England, Scotland and Wales, with the Green party describing this year’s campaign as the worst in memory.