‘Clean up political arena, consign vile personal attacks to the past’
Janet Finch-Saunders, Conservative MS for Aberconwy, reflects on the abuse she suffered – particularly online – in the lead-up to this month’s Senedd election
HAVING fought nine elections at different levels of democratic governance in Wales, I can say firmly that this year’s Senedd election campaign was the most confrontational I’ve ever known.
Whilst I am naturally supportive of greater scrutiny and transparency, which are the foundation of any election campaign, when does fair scrutiny cross a line?
This year the quest for votes was fought increasingly online and I was perhaps unprepared for what the avalanche of attacks would actually mean.
Along with the usual diatribes – often sprinkled with profanities for good measure – other posts became disturbingly personal.
For example, when I stopped in a beer garden for dinner with my loved ones, I was photographed and that picture shared online with a caption saying I was on a “Sunday bender”.
Not only was it a lie, my family’s privacy was invaded too.
Similarly, in an online hustings, I was asked a question about transgender rights.
My response led to an email which crudely and derogatively questioned my own gender and sexuality.
The worst moment, however, came in the form of an American-style attack advert.
Lasting over two minutes, the amateur video transitioned various probing phrases over a dull thrum of unsettling music.
It questioned my friendships, my family and my self-worth.
By the conclusion of this video, which has amassed thousands of views on Facebook and Twitter, I was left pondering why I was putting my loved ones through this unrelenting onslaught.
I have a thick skin, but every shield has its limits and you cannot help but wonder what impact this has on those seeking to enter public service themselves. While I was humbled to receive the support of 9,336 constituents and the largest majority this Senedd constituency has ever known, I know the offensive slurs would likely have unsettled a first-time candidate.
We know that this trend in British politics is heading in the wrong direction.
A 2020 study of social media around the last general election found abuse in 4.46% of Twitter replies received by candidates, up from just over 3% in the matching period for the 2017 election.
It also concluded that abuse levels had climbed month on month throughout the duration of the study, with the types of abuse received by men and women often notably different in tone.
Nobody in any job should have to put up with threats, aggressive emails, or be repeatedly sworn at on social media.
I love representing my home, but it has a hefty personal toll.
It is why I committed to a clean and positive campaign – one that would open my record to scrutiny and one that would seek to rationally explain my plans for the future.
In stark contrast, some of my political opponents thought it was wise to ramp up the pressure through their own output.
They shared memes that were inaccurate, often challenging my honesty and integrity.
The relentless social media furore, across such a short campaign, soon became all-consuming. Their posts were misleading and far removed from the truth.
It is exactly these dirty tactics that continue to undermine trust in our democratic system.
Indeed, throughout the campaign, I had signs slashed, removed and others relocated without permission.
These deliberate acts of criminal damage brought the online attacks into the real world.
Not for one second do I hold my opponents responsible for the offensive comments made by others, but we should realise that their misguided efforts to damage my character contributed only to produce a damaging and hurtful campaign.
The coronavirus pandemic has shone a light on the best in society, with key workers and members of the community selflessly putting the interest of others before themselves.
Across Aberconwy, and Wales more generally, we have seen people try and succeed to pull together to traverse every twist and turn that Covid-19 has thrown toward us.
It is precisely because of the past year that so many of us have come to value the importance of caring for others, kindness and selflessness.
As I said in my victory speech, after the challenges posed by this global public health crisis, the very last thing people wanted to see on social media were vile personal attacks.
Those that are elected are guided by the Nolan principles – of selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership. I am firmly of the mind that these principles should also guide those wishing to serve in political office throughout any future campaign.
Those in the public eye should always look to lead by example, encouraging our supporters to engage in positive and healthy political debate.
Now is the time to clean up our political arena.
I look forward to leading the way towards a mature and positive future for Welsh political campaigning.