The Guardian view on violent online rhetoric: all politicians have a duty to set a civil tone | Editorial

2026-02-25 - 18:53

The ability to conduct polite debate on social media, without amplifying menaces and lies, is a basic qualification for public office The impulse to post on social media often overwhelms judgment of what is appropriate to share. Knowing when not to succumb to that urge, exercising due diligence before passing on material that is flatly false or offensive, is an indispensable skill for politicians in the digital age. Or it should be. It is a test failed by Simon Evans, a Reform UK councillor and deputy leader on Lancashire council. Mr Evans shared a Facebook image of Natalie Fleet, a Labour MP, featuring a fake quote – “I voted against the grooming gang enquiry”. The Bolsover MP has, in reality, campaigned to protect girls from sexual predators. An accompanying comment called for Ms Fleet to be shot. Mr Evans says he did not see the offending remark. He deleted