THE leader of Bradford Council has welcomed a move to create a new offence to crack down on threats and abuse towards candidates standing for election.

A Government consultation on electoral law, which runs until October 22, also seeks views on whether digital election material should always feature details of those who produced it, following concerns about the potential risks of ‘fake news’ and foreign interference in future ballots.

The new law could see people stripped of their right to hold public office if found guilty of threats or abuse, either in person or online.

The consultation also comes amid concerns voiced by politicians and campaigners on all sides about the increasing intimidation and abuse of people taking part in elections.

The proposals would toughen current electoral law, which includes provisions against undue influence of voters, by introducing a new offence to tackle intimidation of Parliamentary candidates and campaigners.

In response to the consultation, Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, Leader of Bradford Council, said: “You take on a political role expecting to face searching questions from citizens and to engage in healthy debate with our opponents. There has however been a growing consensus that the rise of social media has changed the nature and tone of that debate.

“Anything that can be done to curb intimidating and abusive behaviour has to be welcomed. We need good people to stand for political office so that our cities and towns are well led and we don’t want them being deterred from standing because of negativity. How this is policed and regulated is of course challenging.”

Minister for the Constitution, Chloe Smith said the Government recognised rising intimidation was stopping talented people from standing for election and was also putting voters “off politics”.

She said: “We can’t let intimidation of our candidates, campaigners, the public and those that serve us continue unchecked and I would encourage everyone to take part in this consultation.”