Politicians from all parties recently paid tribute to Jo Cox MP, who was murdered just over 10 years ago in the run-up to the Brexit referendum.
Her tragic death was followed in 2021 by the murder of Sir David Amess MP, and, in my own party, preceded by the killing of Cllr Andrew Pennington and attempted murder of Nigel Jones MP in 2000.
Councillors and MPs continue to face a growing level of abuse and threats of violence – as do candidates. This has to stop.
Women, people from ethnic minority backgrounds, disabled people and LGBTQ+ people are subject to disproportionately high levels of abuse, intimidation and threats.
A survey in 2026 by the Local Government Chronicle reported that 52 per cent of respondents said concern about online abuse affected decisions on whether to stand or re-stand.
Operation Bridger and Operation Ford were set up to deal with violence and threats against, respectively, MPs and parliamentary candidates, and councillors and local candidates. But the effectiveness and responsiveness of police forces to threats and abuse under Operation Ford is highly variable from force to force.
“Abuse, threats and violence have a chilling impact on democracy”
You can see the excellent work the LGA has done with its Debate not Hate and Civility in Public Life campaign pages. There are plenty of helpful materials there and I urge you to take a look – both are accessible via the main LGA website (local.gov.uk).
However, other agencies also need to step up.
Abuse, threats and violence have a chilling impact on democracy. They stifle debate, discourage involvement in civic life and discourage people – especially those most likely to face abuse – from standing.
Let’s keep working together at the LGA on this issue; we will continue to speak out about it and I look forward to supporting work on this going forward.