Police protection

Female candidate in 30s

I was running to be an MP for the first time after being engaged in politics for years, but was shocked by what candidates have to put up with. I lost in a Labourheld seat.

When you’re a candidate in a safe Opposition seat, you know that it will be tough. But for the first time in my life, I felt genuine fear from the people attacking me, particularly on social media.

What shocked me was that there is no real protection for you as a candidate and no way out. You just have to keep going. It comes with real anxiety and loneliness.

I didn’t feel safe to go out or be at home alone. I made sure I had a group around me at all times when I was campaigning. I didn’t park my car near my house and turned off location services on my phone.

I got in touch with the police, who agreed to keep a closer eye on me. A detective constable was my point of contact and liaison and they gave me a special number to ring any time.

They also noted down the address I was staying at during the campaign which would be passed by the on-duty patrol car in case anything happened.

The police were very sympathetic and frustrated that there was nothing they could really do. They went around to see the person who was driving the abuse on social media, but it continued. They even sent nasty messages to my family.

I know other candidates who had similar experiences. It has made me think whether I really want to be an MP – the level of abuse and intimidation you face. It is important the public know.

I fear it will reduce the talent pool of people willing to put themselves forward, which is bad for democracy.

‘For the first time in my life, I felt genuine fear from the people attacking me’