Rosie Duffield, Labour’s candidate for the Canterbury seat in Kent, has announced her withdrawal from a planned hustings event, citing concerns for her personal safety. Ms. Duffield, who has been a vocal advocate for women’s rights and female-only spaces, has had a contentious relationship with Labour leadership and has frequently faced significant online harassment.
In a statement posted on social media on Friday, Ms Duffield highlighted the impact of ongoing hostility on her wellbeing and ability to campaign effectively. “The constant trolling, spite and misrepresentation from certain people, having built up over a number of years and being pursued with a new vigour during this election, is now affecting my sense of security and wellbeing,” she wrote. “The result is now that I feel unable to be focused on giving a clear presentation of the Labour Party’s manifesto commitments.”
