MP Details ‘Abuse’ Encountered While Canvassing for Election

A Member of Parliament has described being pursued from certain locations during the 2024 General Election campaign, necessitating instructions for canvassers to withdraw their vehicles. Oliver Ryan, the Labour MP for Burnley, shared these experiences following the release of an Electoral Commission report, which indicated that over half of the candidates participating in this year’s general election encountered abuse. Mr. Ryan stated that Home Office security was required for a particular hustings event due to threats, which he characterized as “unprecedented for a general election”. He further commented: “I was swept into the venue with security and swept out at the end without even getting a chance to speak to people.” The MP recounted: “I had to tell canvassers it just wasn’t safe [in some places] – people were trying to drive us out of their part of town.” He also described the campaign as being “very aggressive all the way through”. Mr. Ryan mentioned instances where individuals recorded him using their phones and passed him in their vehicles. He concluded by stating: “People were threatened for being engaged in politics which should never be the case.” For additional content, listeners can access the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story ideas can be submitted to northwest.newsonline@bbc.co.uk and via WhatsApp at 0808 100 2230. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external sites and provides information on its approach to external linking.