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Written question asked by James McMurdock (Independent (affiliation)) on Tuesday, 3 March 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 5 March 2026. It was answered by Samantha Dixon (Labour) on Wednesday, 11 March 2026 on behalf of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Elections: Safety

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what information his Department holds on the number of (a) elections staff, (b) candidates, (c) activists, and (d) other people that were involved in elections who have been subjected to intimidation, harassment, assault, and other criminal behaviours in each of the last ten years.

Answer

We are clear that intimidation and abuse of those participating in public life has no place in our society and cannot be tolerated.

MHCLG does not engage directly with candidates or collect wider information about those involved in elections' experience of harassment and intimidation. MHCLG’s role is to provides all candidates and returning officers with security guidance ahead of elections periods.

MHCLG works closely with the Defending Democracy Taskforce, which leads on the cross-government response to harassment and intimidation, including work to evaluate its nature and scale, as well as with the police, Electoral Commission and Local Government Association, who also collect relevant information.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
117655
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Staff Candidates Elections Intimidation Harassment Safety
Contains statistics
Yes
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk