Conservatives complain of death threats and abuse during election
CONSERVATIVE MPS and candidates have described being the target of physical and verbal abuse, including death threats, during the General Election campaign.
Theresa May is understood to be considering a review of laws in order to increase protection for prospective members, after pledging to “stamp out” intimidation and harassment of candidates.
One female candidate said she was given police protection after “nasty” verbal attacks, particular- ly on social media, left her feeling unsafe when alone.
Another Tory hopeful said he was threatened with being “strung up” after a “deluge” of abuse online.
Two electoral veterans told yesterday how the 2017 General Election campaign saw a marked increase in threatening behaviour.
Former Army captain Johnny Mercer described how a member of the public hurled obscenities at him and his wife Felicity in the Plymouth Moor View constituency on the eve of the election.
A female candidate also said she questioned whether she wanted to be an MP after receiving threats online.
“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 got in touch with the police, who agreed to keep a closer eye on me,” she said.
Byron Davies, who lost his seat in Gower, said: “A few weeks before the election, I got two death threats online.”
There have been heightened concerns over MPs’ safety since the killing of Jo Cox.