Lillian Hanly on abuse targeting election candidates

Detailed summary

Around one in three comments made to candidates on social media in the lead up to and during the 2026 election campaign was abusive - with women receiving "the sharper end",…

Around one in three comments made to candidates on social media in the lead up to and during the 2026 election campaign was abusive - with women receiving "the sharper end", according to new data. Last month we reported threats against MPs had risen astronomically in recent years, and revealed a specialist parliamentary security team handled more than 200 requests for help in just three weeks. Political Reporter Lillian Hanly reports.

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