A VALENTINE’S card filled with excrement and letters posted with razor blades are some of the shocking examples of abuse inflicted on Welsh politicians, according to the Electoral Reform Society (ERS).

One politician said she had been sexually harassed by two colleagues, while another was subjected to “inappropriate sexual advances” by constituents during advice surgeries and canvassing sessions.

Of the 266 Welsh MPs, MEPs, assembly members and councillors who responded to the ERS Cymru survey, 121 said they had been abused or harassed either in office or while campaigning, which is 45.5 per cent of the total respondents and includes 54 per cent of female respondents.
   
The ERS report proposes 16 changes to remove barriers to diverse political representation, including the introduction of gender quotas, a requirement for Welsh political parties to develop a joint code of conduct on intimidatory behaviour and better processes by social media companies for the reporting of abuse.

ERS Cymru director Jess Blair said: “Our recommendations may make uncomfortable reading for parties who currently take little action on diversity, but they are vital to create a politics in Wales that reflects the people here.”