Political campaigners have described a torrent of abuse on the doorsteps in what they call the “angriest” election in three decades. Canvassers and door-knockers report facing racist insults and homophobic slurs while trying to rally votes ahead of next month’s local elections.
Abuse on the Doorstep
In Islington, several candidates from minority backgrounds say residents have told them to “go home” or used derogatory language. Campaigners across the political spectrum argue that “hateful language” has been fueled by figures like Nigel Farage and Tommy Robinson, making racial abuse more acceptable.
Cllr Saiqa Pandor, Labour candidate in St Mary’s and St James’, said: “What I’ve experienced takes me right back to when I was a child in the 80s, when I would get spat on by the National Front on Chapel Market. As a Muslim woman wearing a hijab, I stand out. People say blatantly they will vote for my colleagues but not me. They shout, ‘Do you speak English? What are you doing on my doorstep?’”
Cllr Jilani Chowdhury, a two-decade council veteran, recalled similar incidents: “Sometimes people say ‘I’m not going to vote for a brown man’. Sometimes they use the P-word. Since 2006, it has become much more toxic. It’s better to have a civil discussion, but when people are aggressive it’s really difficult.”
Ilkay Cinko-Oner, standing for the Islington Community Independents in Laycock, said the abuse has made her “scared”. She avoids knocking on doors with St George’s flags, which she says have been “weaponised”. “I’ve never been threatened by the St George’s flag before,” she added.
Homophobic Attack and Fear
On Sunday, two Labour councillors reported homophobic abuse when a group of men shouted slurs and attacked the community centre they were near. Cllr Heather Staff said: “This was the first time we thought we might be in trouble. We’ve been in difficult situations, but never have I felt threatened like that.” She noted another Labour candidate was told “you should be burnt alive” at the doorstep. “This rhetoric is not acceptable. Social media has given rise to it. What used to be anonymous typing has become saying or doing it. It doesn’t matter what party you’re in, you’ll get yelled at or abused.”
Green leader Benali Hamdache described this election as “angrier” than before, with “a few people shout and swear when I introduce myself”. He added: “People feel more polarised. Door-knockers have faced abuse. We are pro-accountability, but when it becomes abusive it’s dangerous. Hateful language isn’t acceptable for any party and it puts people off. Doorstep conversations are key to democracy, but if volunteers face unsafe environments, it just won’t happen.”
Safety Measures and National Concerns
Councillors said police issued panic buttons months ago. Those most vulnerable to racist abuse never go door-knocking alone and always share their location. Cllr Staff noted: “It used to be about potholes, dog poo, schools. Now it’s something bigger, out of our control. I’ve never seen it like this in a local election. You feel you have to be strong, but why should I face constant threat?”
A Local Government Association spokesperson said 75% of councillors nationally reported feeling personally at risk last year, and 80% of female councillors experienced abuse or intimidation. “Robust challenge is essential, but no one should accept intimidation or threats as part of public service. The government, councils, police, and social media companies must develop a national strategy to tackle abuse of public figures.”
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: “It’s vital the democratic process is not undermined. We will deal robustly with those attacking or harassing candidates. Through Operation Ford, officers run personal safety briefings for council candidates and work to identify concerns and investigate crimes.”
