UK election candidates battle death threats and abuse

In February, police were given powers to expand Operation Bridger, a nationwide security operation focused on the safety of MPs. 

Under the program, all candidates are entitled to a dedicated police contact with whom they can raise concerns or flag threats. 

In practice, however, several candidates said it was difficult to obtain extra support unless intimidation escalated to the level of death threats or vandalism of constituency premises. 

Stella Creasy, the Labour candidate for Walthamstow, shared images of her London office after it was attacked last week, saying: “You don’t intimidate me and you don’t belong in the political process.”

The Home Office would not comment on security arrangements, but officials from the department stressed they would encourage all candidates to engage with Operation Bridger.

A National Police Chiefs’ Council spokesperson, addressing a recent counter-terrorism briefing, said the police took their role in protecting the democratic process “very seriously” and wanted every candidate to know “we are here to help them and keep them safe.”