The hidden consequences of political harassment towards MPs for their staff – UCL Constitution Unit
‘Research on political harassment has grown considerably in recent years, revealing its consequences for politicians and democratic life. Yet harassment can also affect people beyond those directly targeted. Drawing on new survey evidence from 922 parliamentary staff members in the UK and Germany, Lena Stephan and Anne Van Bavel examine how witnessing harassment against MPs affects their personal staff. Their findings reveal that harassment has negative spillover effects, particularly for women staff working for women MPs, raising important questions about the wider consequences of harassment for political participation and representation.’
UCL Constitution Unit, 11th November 2026
Source: blogs.ucl.ac.uk

