Gender-based online abuse of MSPs rises more than a hundred-fold, new data reveals

Gender-based abuse aimed at MSPs has seen a sharp rise, with new data analysis now capturing misogynistic posts previously missed. 

Data released by the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB) showed gender-based abusive posts went from seven in 2023/2024 to 886 in 2024/2025.

However, the significant rise is claimed to be due to the improved recognition of misogynistic content directed at female members. 

The new data shows the “scale of online abuse of MSPs is now readily apparent and growing”, senior parliamentary official Lynsey Hamill said. 

While male MSPs were targeted by a higher number of abusive posts, females saw the biggest increase in online abuse, with a rise of more than 600 per cent compared to last year. 

Over this past year, there were 19,511 abusive posted directed to male MSPs, compared to 7,542 in 2023/2024. Women received 3,996 abusive comments, compared to 658 in 2023/2024. 

It comes after an exclusive poll by Holyrood showed three quarters of female MSPs standing at next year's Scottish Parliament election expected online abuse to increase ahead of polling day.  

More than half of the 59 female MSPs surveyed admitted they knew of women who had decided not to stand for elected office out of fear of facing online harassment. 

SNP MSP Elena Whitam told the magazine online harassment “definitely plays a big part” in her decision not to seek re-election next year.  

A total of 348,041 abusive posts were reviewed by the body, an increase of more than 40 per cent compared to 2023/2024. However, the number of posts referred to Police Scotland for potentially breaching criminal thresholds dropped from 461 to 257. 

Of those that did not meet the threshold, 48 posts were based on sexual orientation, which rose from seven the previous year.  

Of the 257 referred to the police, one is proceeding to a course of action, and two further are under prosecution, of which one is in progress. 

The SPCB launched its online threat management services as a pilot scheme in June 2023, producing “sobering” results, Hamill said. It has since been made permanent, with an investment of £125,000. 

A total of 69 MSPs are signed up to the service, 33 of whom are women and 36 men. 

New data revealed all parties saw online abuse more than double compared to last year, except the Greens, for whom it increased by two-thirds, targeted by 939 posts.

SNP MSPs received the most online abuse targeted by 15,749 posts. However, Labour members, saw the highest increase in abuse, experiencing a tenfold increase. 

Labour MSPs were targeted by 4,150 posts compared to 292 in 2023/2024. The Conservatives and Lib Dems also experienced a significant increase in abuse, targeted by 1,888 posts and 729 over the past year, compared to 592 and 114 posts in 2023/2024, respectively. 

A Scottish Parliament spokesperson said: “The SPCB is acutely aware of the rising level of threat against elected representatives.  

“Last year, the SPCB invested £125k to make permanent its online threat managing service.  

“Under the service, potentially criminal threats are identified by the Parliament’s security team and escalated to Police Scotland for its action.”