The Local Government Association (LGA) has joined forces with the Jo Cox Foundation to call for people to show respect and civility towards candidates standing in and officers running the local elections in much of England on 4 May.
The Local Government Association (LGA) has joined forces with the Jo Cox Foundation to call for people to show respect and civility towards candidates standing in and officers running the local elections in much of England on 4 May.
The LGA is calling for no abuse or intimidation towards those standing in the upcoming local elections.
As over 70 per cent of the country go to the polls in two weeks’ time both organisations are encouraging everyone to treat all those involved in the elections with respect and dignity.
The calls come as the LGA’s 2022 Councillor Survey previously found that:
- 7 in 10 councillors faced abuse or intimidation between 2021-22.
- Just over a quarter (28 per cent) of councillors in England and Wales felt personally at risk in their role.
A large number of respondents also felt that the line between political competition and personal attacks had been crossed during local election campaigns.
Last year the LGA set up its Debate Not Hate campaign, to raise awareness and to help tackle this problem.
This set of local elections sees the introduction of the requirement for voters to produce ID in order to vote. Councils are urging people to check if they have a photo ID well ahead of time so they don't miss out on their chance to participate in important local elections.
The LGA is also reminding voters to be patient with hardworking local polling station staff as they implement the new changes.
Cllr Izzi Seccombe, Vice-Chair of the Local Government Association said:
“These upcoming elections are incredibly important in setting the future direction of our local communities.
“The tens of thousands of people who are standing as candidates in them are doing a great public service.
“Candidates and councillors want to engage with as many voters as possible during this election campaign.
“However, they should not have to experience abuse, threats or any kind of harmful behaviour simply because of who they are, what they look like or their background.
“We want all voters to treat candidates with respect and to engage in positive, constructive conversations and debates and make local democracy a welcoming environment for all.”
Su Moore, Chief Executive Officer of the Jo Cox Foundation said:
“Campaigning for respectful politics is a key part of our work to make change on the issues that Jo Cox was passionate about. Jo was renowned for her ability to forge cross-party relationships and to work collaboratively with those of opposing political views. Robust debate and scrutiny are essential aspects of our democratic process; abuse and intimidation shouldn’t have to be. At the Jo Cox Foundation, we seek to end the abuse and intimation that discourages so many from entering political life and particularly impacts diverse representation.
“As part of this work, we’re encouraging those standing in next month’s elections to share our Civility Pledge. We believe that change must begin at the highest levels, and by sharing the Pledge, candidates can set an example by committing to uphold the dignity of all candidates. Our research shows that this has an impact on the general public, and voters are more likely to support candidates who conduct respectful campaigns.”