UK Candidate Moved to Safe House After Election Threats

Published: 17 November 2025 Monday. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

Llyr Powell, the Reform UK candidate who stood in last month’s Caerphilly by-election, has revealed he received at least 55 death threats over the course of his campaign—an escalation of intimidation that became so severe he was moved from his home to an undisclosed location for his safety. Powell, who ultimately finished second to Plaid Cymru’s Lindsay Whittle, said the threats did not stop after the election and that, at times, he feared for his life.

Speaking to Newyddion S4C, Powell described one of the most terrifying incidents, which happened late one evening while he was home alone. He recalled hearing “the door being kicked in downstairs,” a moment that left him convinced he might not survive the night. “I looked out the window and thought, this could be the moment they actually killed me, and it’s a really strange feeling,” he said. The attack, he explained, was one of several that left him feeling constantly on edge and ultimately forced him to relocate temporarily.

Despite the severity of the threats described, Gwent Police said they had not received any reports of safety concerns from Powell or Reform UK. This discrepancy has raised questions about how political candidates access police assistance, particularly during campaigns when threats and harassment tend to spike. Powell said he attempted to contact the police multiple times but found navigating the reporting process “the most difficult thing in the world,” adding that he was directed to generic phone lines and automated systems rather than being given a direct channel for urgent support.

Powell provided further details of the harassment he endured, including instances where the doors of his campaign office were glued shut, an act of vandalism that police said they could not pursue because the perpetrators seen on CCTV were wearing hoodies and could not be identified. In another incident, he said he was approached and spat upon by a group of individuals after closing his office one night. During a separate campaign visit to Cardiff, he faced verbal abuse and had objects thrown at him by passers-by.

As the threats mounted, Powell said he began questioning whether a future in politics was worth the personal risk. He admitted he is uncertain about standing in the 2026 Senedd election, a decision he had initially been enthusiastic about but now views through the lens of fear and exhaustion. “I’ve got to be honest,” he said, “right now it’s in my head—do I want this in my life?”

Powell’s experiences reflect a broader climate of hostility and intimidation that many politicians across Wales and the UK have spoken about in recent years. The Electoral Reform Society has warned that the issue is intensifying and must be addressed urgently before the next Senedd election scheduled for May. The organisation argues that political intimidation is no longer a fringe problem but a widespread threat to democratic participation, requiring a coordinated response from law enforcement, government bodies, and political parties.

Other Welsh politicians have shared similar experiences. Llinos Medi, MP for Ynys Môn, said that abuse directed at her has surged significantly since she took office last year. She explained that she had dealt with threats in her previous role as a council leader, but the level of hostility she now faces as a Member of Parliament is “enormous.” She described a growing “sense of fear” that has become part of the job, fuelled by increasingly aggressive messages and behaviour.

Conservative MS Sam Kurtz echoed these concerns, revealing he has been subject to repeated racist comments about his German heritage, including a period where he received constant abusive phone calls. Kurtz said he has taken extensive measures to protect himself and his staff, including installing CCTV at his home, equipping his office with panic buttons, and using a lone-worker safety device provided by the Senedd. He described his situation not as an exception but as part of a broader trend. “I have weekly phone calls from local police to ensure the safety of myself and my staff,” he said. “But to ensure that’s done across all of Wales at the next election has got to be a priority.”

A survey conducted by the Electoral Commission after the 2024 general election found that 55 percent of candidates experienced harassment, intimidation, or abuse during the campaign. Analysts say this alarming figure indicates that political hostility has become mainstream, especially on social media platforms where anonymity makes threats more common and more vicious. The survey’s findings have increased pressure on the UK Government to address safety concerns comprehensively.

The Home Office responded to the growing concerns by reiterating its stance that harassment and intimidation of anyone in public office is “unacceptable.” A spokesperson said the security minister is overseeing a cross-government approach involving police forces, parliamentary authorities, and the Electoral Commission to improve protections ahead of upcoming elections. Measures under consideration reportedly include streamlined reporting channels, clearer guidelines for police action, and expanded support for candidates deemed at high risk.

Despite these assurances, concerns remain about how quickly improvements will be implemented and whether candidates like Powell will be better supported in the future. Political observers argue that threats against elected officials have implications far beyond individual safety, warning that growing hostility could deter capable people from entering public service altogether. When candidates are subjected to violence or intimidation, they say, democracy itself is weakened.

For Powell, the emotional impact of the threats was compounded by frustration at what he saw as a lack of immediate police support. He said Reform UK members guided him to safety after he was moved from his home, and while the party expressed concern for his wellbeing, he felt the responsibility for navigating life-threatening situations largely fell on his own shoulders. He said he hopes his story will draw attention to the need for improved systems, especially as the next election approaches.

The Caerphilly by–election itself was a heated contest, drawing national interest due to its timing and political dynamics. Powell’s strong second-place finish surprised some analysts and highlighted Reform UK’s growing visibility in Welsh politics. Yet his experiences during the campaign illustrate the volatile environment candidates now face, particularly those working in polarised regions or representing controversial parties. As Wales prepares for the next Senedd election, the safety of candidates—not just their platforms—appears likely to become a major topic of public debate.

Whether Powell ultimately decides to stand again may depend on what steps are taken in the coming months. He emphasised that although he remains committed to his political beliefs, he must also consider the personal cost. “At some point,” he said, “you have to think about your family, your safety, and what kind of life you want to live.”