Election rivals condemn 'horrendous' online abuse

Conservative candidate for Easington Joanne Howey said the comments online upset her children and family

Candidates standing at the general election have condemned online abuse directed at the rival Conservative hopeful in their constituency.

Joanne Howey has faced "horrendous" daily threats and abuse online as she bids to become the MP for Easington in County Durham.

She said she has "learned to grow a thick skin", but added: "This is why so many good people, and mainly women, keep away from politics."

The other parties running in the constituency all hit out at the "unacceptable" and "toxic" abuse.

Ms Howey said comments included: "You look really fat in the pic - least your eating well", "No one said she is clever, just good at reproduction" and "Another bargain basement grifter".

She said there were a lot more but she had a lot of them deleted because she does not want her children and family to see them.

"It upsets them an awful lot," she said.

Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Ms Howey added: "The abuse is horrendous. It’s scary."

Most of it has been online, but she has been shouted at in public which makes her "very anxious to go out alone".

'Disgusted' by the abuse

The Reform UK candidate for Easington Lynn Murphy said she had also received some "not so nice comments online, which can take its toll".

Ms Murphy added: "I am disgusted at the news that a candidate who has chosen to put herself forward to represent the Easington area is being abused online. This is never acceptable."

The Green party candidate Stephen Ashfield said he was "deeply troubled" by the abuse.

"No candidate should endure threats and intimidation while campaigning. This toxic behaviour deters good people, particularly women, from participating in politics, weakening our democracy."

Labour's Grahame Morris said abusive behaviour and threats should be reported to the police.

"A general election should be about robust debate and discussion over policy," he said.

"It should not be an excuse or opportunity to abuse or threaten candidates or campaigners participating in our democracy and civic life."

A national Liberal Democrat spokesperson said: "We are very sorry to hear that Joanne Howey has gone through this.

"Abuse is never acceptable, whether online or in person."

A spokesperson for the North East Party said they were "completely appalled" by the abuse.

"In politics, it's about the issues - it's not about threats and intimidation.

"The abuse that we have read on X is not acceptable."

Full list of candidates for the Easington constituency:

• Stephen Ashfield, Green

• Mary Cartwright, North East Party

• Tony Ferguson, Liberal Democrats

• Joanne Howey, Conservative

• Grahame Morris, Labour

• Lynn Murphy, Reform UK