'This Senedd election campaign was the most confrontational I've ever known' – Janet Finch-Saunders

Having fought nine elections at different amounts of democratic governance in Wales, I'm able to say firmly that this year's Senedd election campaign was probably the most confrontational I've seen.

Whilst I'm naturally supportive of greater scrutiny and transparency, what are first step toward any election campaign, when does fair scrutiny cross a line?

This year, the quest for votes was fought increasingly on the internet and I had been perhaps unprepared for which the avalanche of attacks would actually mean. Combined with the usual diatribe – often sprinkled with profanities for good measure – other posts became disturbingly personal.

For example, when I stopped in a beer garden for dinner with my loved ones, I was photographed which picture shared online having a caption saying I had been on the “Sunday bender.” Not only was it wrong, my family's privacy was invaded too. Similarly, within an online hustings, I had been asked a question about transgender rights. My response resulted in an email which crudely and derogatively questioned my very own gender and sexuality.

The worst moment, however, arrived the type of a united states style attack advert. Lasting over two minutes, the amateur video transitioned various probing phrases over a dull thrum of unsettling music. It questioned my friendships, my family and my self-worth.

By the conclusion of this video, which has amassed a large number of views on Facebook and Twitter, I was left pondering why I was putting my loved ones through this unrelenting onslaught.

I have a thick skin, but every shield has its own limits and you cannot help but wonder what impact this has on those trying to enter public service themselves. Whilst I was humbled to receive the support of 9,336 constituents and also the largest majority this Senedd constituency has ever known, I know the offensive slurs may likely have unsettled a first time candidate.

We realize that this trend in British politics is headed in the wrong direction. A 2021 study of social media round the last general election found abuse in 4.46% of Twitter replies received by candidates, up from approximately 3% within the matching period for the 2021 election. Additionally, it figured abuse levels had climbed month on month through the amount of the research, with the kinds of abuse received by women and men often notably different in tone.

Nobody in almost any job must have to place up with threats, aggressive emails, or perhaps be repeatedly sworn at on social networking. I really like representing my home, however it includes a hefty personal toll.

It is the reason why I committed to a clean and positive campaign – one that would open my record to scrutiny and one that would seek to rationally explain my plans for the future.

In stark contrast, a number of my political opponents thought it was wise to increase the pressure through their own output. They shared memes that were inaccurate, often challenging my honesty and integrity. The relentless social networking furore, across such a short campaign, soon became all consuming. Their posts were misleading and far taken off the truth.

It is exactly these dirty tactics that continue to undermine rely upon our democratic system. Indeed, throughout the campaign, I had signs slashed, removed yet others relocated without permission. These deliberate acts of wanton damage brought the internet attacks into the real world.

Not for just one second do I hold my opponents responsible for the offensive comments made by others, but we ought to recognise that their misguided efforts to damage my character contributed simply to create a damaging and hurtful campaign.

The Coronavirus pandemic has shone a light on the best in society with key workers and members of the city selflessly putting the eye of others before themselves. Across Aberconwy, and Wales more generally, we view people try to succeed to pull together to traverse every twist and turn that Covid-19 has thrown toward us.

It is strictly due to the past year that a lot of us have started to value the significance of caring for others, kindness, and selflessness. As mentioned in my victory speech, following the challenges resulting from this global public health crisis, the very last thing people desired to see on social networking were vile personal attacks.

Those that are elected are guided through the Nolan principles – of selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership. I am firmly from the mind these principles also needs to guide those wishing to serve in political office throughout any future campaign.

Those making headlines must always turn to lead by example, encouraging our supporters to engage in positive and healthy political debate.

Now is the time to wash up our political arena. I am looking forward to at the forefront towards an adult and positive future for Welsh political campaigning.