County Durham MP reveals shocking impact of daily online abuse as tormenter jailed

A County Durham MP has exposed the shocking abuse he has received after being subjected to repeated online threats – including one image of him overlaid with a gun's telescopic sight.
Sam Rushworth, who was elected for the first time in July 2024, has received extra security during public engagements in the Bishop Auckland constituency. Online abuse has intensified from criticism of Mr Rushworth's political views and voting record to threats to his life and family.
He compiled a dossier of evidence revealing the daily abuse and personal attacks he receives from online users, which also resulted in a different person sharing the same name as him being targeted with abuse by rival candidates and activists.
A man who threatened to kill the Labour MP said he would firebomb his house or office, and 'lock the doors so I could hear him screaming'. Benjamin Clarke, of Bishop Auckland, was jailed for 18 months at Teesside Crown Court on Monday (May 12).
Mr Rushworth and his family became terrified that he would carry out the threats, which also included sinister messages wanting to 'smash his head off a pavement until he dies'. Fearing for his family's safety, he fitted a panic alarm and extra cameras at home. The MP previously voiced his concerns over the abuse in Parliament and said residents and organisations had also been targeted.
Clarke's unhealthy obsession with the MP started when he posted a message on Facebook saying: 'I can't wait for your next public appearance, you will be lucky to leave in one piece'.
Sam Rushworth exposed messages sent to his social media account by Benjamin Clarke, which were then shared in local Facebook groups (Image: Sam Rushworth MP)
The dossier says hate speech and fake news are being promoted and shared on social media platforms, and that local Reform UK activists regularly use misinformation to paint the Labour MP and other political opponents in a negative light to drive anger and hatred towards them.
He was accompanied by security during a 2024 Remembrance Sunday service in Bishop Auckland.
Shortly after the General Election in July 2024, a social media post falsely claimed Mr Rushworth had moved into a property outside the constituency. In a case of mistaken identity, a different person sharing the same name was reportedly targeted with abuse by rival candidates and activists.
Mr Rushworth was also linked to claims that a disused Bishop Auckland tower block, bought by developers to convert it into flats, would be redeveloped to house refugees. The report states: 'Some also tried to tie Sam Rushworth to this imaginary plan, despite the fact he had no role, political or otherwise, in determining such things. This generated significant anger towards Mr Rushworth and the developers. The developers decided, given the public reaction, to withdraw their planned investment in Bishop Auckland and put the building back on the market.'
Sam Rushworth exposed messages sent from Facebook groups on posts relating to the MP (Image: Sam Rushworth MP)
Speaking after exposing the shocking abuse, Mr Rushworth said: 'It is important to understand Mr Clarke's crimes in the context of the online world in which he forms his views. I am calling on the leadership of Reform UK to ensure those promoting Islamophobia, racism, fake news, and hate are not able to hold office or represent them at local or national elections.
'Robust debate about policies and ideas, and scrutiny of elected representatives, is integral to a healthy democracy, but it is equally important that elected representatives, candidates for office, and all citizens are protected from defamation and abuse.
'While there is nothing wrong with expressing concern about the impact of immigration on the economy, public services, and national security, there should be no place in mainstream politics for racism, Islamophobia, antisemitism, or any other forms of prejudice; and any political party which stands candidates for local or national elections should uphold British values of tolerance and respect.
'All political parties will sometimes have activists, candidates, and elected representatives whose conduct falls short of what is acceptable. To maintain standards in public life it is important that when evidence of wrongdoing comes to light it is properly investigated and appropriate actions are taken.'
Concerns over the safety of MPs were in the spotlight once again earlier this month, when Katie Amess, the widow of murdered MP David Amess, said it 'is imperative that individuals and groups are held accountable for their words and actions that incite violence and hatred'. The comments came after footage emerged from a gig allegedly showing a member of Irish rap trio Kneecap saying: 'The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP.'
Lucy Powell, Leader of the House of Commons, previously urged Reform UK officials to 'take action against those thugs because we need to defend democracy and our elected representatives at all costs'.
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Durham Police Superintendent Neal Bickford, who has responsibility for MPs' security in the county, said: 'In a democratic society, elected officials must be able to serve the public without fear for their lives or the safety of their families.
'Recent threats to MPs represent not only a danger to individual representatives, but a broader threat to the integrity of our democratic institutions.'
A Reform UK spokesman said: 'We of course condemn all threats of violence in politics. However, we will take no lessons from a Labour Party who appointed a Deputy Prime Minister that branded her political opponents as 'scum' and currently has an MP under investigation for rape and child abuse.'

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