Labour MPs slam 'toxic' abuse suffered on election campaign 'sullied by harassment'

Candidates and their supporters suffered unprecedented abuse in a “toxic” general election campaign, Labour MPs say.

Opponents whipped up anger by telling “lies” about Labour supposedly supporting Israel’s war in Gaza according to Paul Waugh, who defeated George Galloway to win in Rochdale.

The newly-elected MP said young female activists had been targeted. He said: “The abuse, the intimidation, the harassment, the lies that are spread by these so-called populists, it is well worth getting out of our political system.

“Being abused on the day of the election by people saying you are in favour of genocide. Nothing could be more disgusting.”

He added: “It is toxic, it is Trumpian, it is a falsehood and we have to nail it.”

The former journalist made the comments after Shabana Mahmood, the new Justice Secretary, said she had received physical threats as she campaigned in Birmingham Ladywood. Ms Mahmood said: “A lot will be written about this campaign, and it should be. This was a campaign that was sullied by harassment and intimidation.”

Labour MP Jess Phillips, who held on to her seat of Birmingham Yardley, said the election was the worst in which she had ever stood. Recounting abuse aimed at activists, Mr Phillips said: “A young woman on her own delivering leaflets was filmed and screamed at by a much older man in the street.”