The Guardian ·
I have faced abuse, assaults and death threats because I’m an MP. It’s making politics a no-go zone
A new report highlights the dangers experienced by those who seek to serve the public. People are being deterred and your democracy is suffering, says Labour MP Dawn Butler
There is a rising tide of abuse in our politics and I feel it every day. This week, the Electoral Commission warned that harassment and intimidation are changing how candidates campaign, what they feel able to do and whether they stand again. This is a threat to our democracy – and we cannot ignore it.
The figures are stark. Commission research into the May 2026 local and mayoral elections in England found that 55% of candidates said harassment or intimidation was a problem, up from 47% in 2025. Women, ethnic minority candidates and those with disabilities were most likely to encounter abuse. The experience was so unpleasant that a third considered not standing again.
But none of it is a surprise. I have seen first-hand how abuse, threats and violence have increased in our politics over the years. Since I was elected as an MP in 2015, numerous people have been convicted for attacks, threats and abuse against me. Someone was sent to prison for saying a “bullet” to the back of my head was justified, while another person was convicted for telling me “come the revolution, you will be one of the first”.
