Online trolls may be barred from being MP or councillor

Online trolls who intimidate election candidates or campaigners could be barred from public office under government proposals being considered.

Extreme intimidation cases are already punishable with a jail sentence.

A 2017 parliamentary report highlighted the “significant factor” of social media abuse of candidates in that year’s general election.

Constitution Minister Chloe Smith said intimidation was putting “talented people” off standing for election.

She added that the measures being consulted on would “protect voters, candidates and campaigners so they can make their choice at the ballot box or stand for public service without fear of being victims of misinformation or abuse”.

The length of the ban on convicted abusers standing for or holding public office would be a part of the consultation, a Cabinet Office spokeswoman said.