Scotland’s Deputy First Minister Jenny Gilruth says women in politics face “hostile times”, describing online abuse as increasingly normalised. Speaking publicly about the pressures on political figures, she argues that a more combative environment makes it harder for women to operate in public life.
Across the outlets, Gilruth’s remarks focus on the impact of harassment and hostile conduct, including abuse encountered online. The coverage frames her comments as part of a wider discussion about the conditions under which women—and people from minority backgrounds—participate in politics, and how those factors shape their day-to-day experience.
While the articles largely repeat the same core message, they differ slightly in emphasis. One outlet highlights challenges faced not only by women but also by minority politicians, while others foreground the idea that online abuse has become routine and that the overall political environment has grown more combative. None of the sources reports new incidents or specific figures; the focus is on Gilruth’s assessment of the current climate.
