Full Breakdown
AI-Generated Harassment Targets Kent Councillor Hannah Perkin
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Incident
Liberal Democrat councillor Hannah Perkin, elected in 2019 and re-elected in 2023 to represent Faversham, Kent, has endured an 18-month campaign of online abuse, AI-generated stickers and physical intimidation. Stickers depicting sexualised and racist computer-generated images of her have appeared on lampposts, her home and the council building. The harassment has escalated to door-to-door delivery of printed articles and threatening material left at her door. Perkin reports spending roughly £250 on CCTV, alarms and home security.
Background & Context
Perkin’s advocacy for refugees and the “District of Sanctuary” designation has drawn hostile attention. She has lived in the town for 15 years and serves as a trustee of local charities, placing her at the centre of community life. The Local Government Association reports that a quarter of councillors have faced threats of violence, 7 % have received death threats, 74 % experienced abuse or intimidation during elections, rising to 85 % among female, ethnic-minority, LGBT + or disabled councillors, and 52 % say abuse has increased over the past year.
Data & Statistics
- Quarter of all councillors faced threats of violence.
- 7 % received death threats.
- 74 % experienced abuse or intimidation during elections; 85 % among women, ethnic minorities, LGBT + or disabled officials.
- 52 % reported a recent rise in abuse.
All figures are attributed to the Local Government Association.
Official Statements & Responses
The Liberal Democrat party says it is “backing her fully” and will support any police action. A party spokesperson called the abuse “appalling” and urged an AI regulator to hold tech firms accountable. Kent Police Chief Inspector Julia Bassindale confirmed investigations into the images and printed material but found no evidence meeting the legal threshold for a criminal offence, while noting the distress caused. Conservative MP Helen Whately condemned the harassment as an attack on democracy, stating that “no-one should have to endure hate crimes, harassment, intimidation or threats as simply part of the job.” Dr Annabel Mullin, director of communications at ElectHer, warned that harassment is shutting women out of politics and called for stronger candidate-safety measures, including default removal of home addresses from election paperwork and a central safety hub through the Electoral Commission.
Criticism & Opposition
ElectHer, representing around 10 000 women, argues that much of the harassment falls “slightly below that criminal threshold,” allowing perpetrators to evade prosecution. The group is developing a dashboard with the University of Birmingham to identify safety improvements and is lobbying for an AI regulator to prevent similar harms.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Police officials state that the stickers and accompanying materials did not meet the legal criteria for a criminal offence, while the Liberal Democrats label the campaign “vile” and are pursuing further action. No suspect has been identified despite CCTV reviews and door-to-door enquiries. The link between the harassment and Perkin’s refugee-support stance remains unverified.
What’s Next
ElectHer is pressing for legislative changes to protect candidates, including the removal of home addresses from nomination forms and the creation of an Electoral Commission-run safety hub. The organization also seeks an AI regulatory framework to curb the misuse of generative technology. No specific dates have been announced for these reforms.