Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Iain Duncan Smith is sent dead decomposing rat in post

Tory MP takes to social media to condemn 'act of intimidation'

Matt Drake
Saturday 07 December 2019 13:37 GMT
Comments
Related video: Amber Rudd admits universal credit failings for first time
Related video: Amber Rudd admits universal credit failings for first time (AFP)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Former Conservatives leader Iain Duncan Smith has been sent a dead rat in the post in what he described is an "act of intimidation".

The Tory MP took to social media as he condemned the "suspect package".

Along with photographs of its contents, Mr Duncan Smith said: "Kinder, gentler politics...during #GE2019, not at all.

"In Chingford/Woodford Green we’ve had office graffiti, social media violent abuse/smear tactics.

"Latest: suspect package containing decomposed rat. Campaign volunteers are subjected to these unacceptable acts of intimidation."

It comes after the MP spoke of a recent spate of vandalism targeting his office.

His office door was sprayed with graffiti saying "Tory cuts kill" and he said he had faced violent abuse and smear tactics on social media.

Mr Duncan Smith's Chingford and Woodford Green seat is hotly contested and Labour hope to take the constituency which he has held for 22 years.

This year's general election has seen several violent acts against activists.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in