https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="🛑" title="Stop sign" aria-label="Emoji: Stop sign"> WARNING: IMAGE CONTAINS LANGUAGE THAT MIGHT OFFEND

Last night I came across this comment on one of my posts. Firstly, can I say I’m sorry for sharing this language, I’m doing so for a very important reason.

I don’t know this person - I never have.

/1

I’m trying to show more respect than they’ve shown me by hiding their name. But you cannot on one hand complain about the quality of elected reps in this country and then judge anyone who puts themselves forward without knowing them, their background and what drives them. /2

This is why people don’t stand for office. You are actively pushing good people, with real ideas and passion, away with this uninformed nonsense. And I& #39;m a man. The abuse that female, BAME and LGBTI candidates get is far more frequent and more disturbing. /3

I also want to be clear, I have a thick skin but politicians - and particularly aspiring new candidates are not immune to depression and poor mental health. This comment, aimed at the right person at the right time, could’ve led someone to take their own life. /4

My campaign will always be about inclusivity and I will always try to ensure that I never leave anyone behind but I will also never engage with those who don’t give me - or anyone else - a fair ear and who assume the worst on the back of prejudice alone. /5

It’s natural to disagree on policy - politics is, by definition, a battle of ideas. By all means tell us where you disagree with us, but do so respectfully and listen to the answer we give, and the quality of our politics and our society will be better for it... /6

And in anticipation of those who will claim that I won& #39;t call out my own party members and supporters who engage in similar behaviour - yes, this applies to them too. /7