Public life is under threat from growing levels of bullying, intimidation and abuse, the Prime Minister will warn this week as she announces a new criminal offence of intimidating a parliamentary candidate.

In a speech this week, Theresa May will tell politicians on all sides to “take a stand for decency, tolerance and respect”, urging MPs "it is time we asked ourselves seriously whether we really want it to be like this.”

She will announce a consultation on a new offence in electoral law of intimidating parliamentary candidates and their campaigners.

The current offence of electoral intimidation relates to undue influence on voters.

The Government also plans to bring forward legislation to remove the requirement for candidates standing as councillors in local elections to have their addresses published on ballot papers.

Since May 2010 candidates for national election have not had to publish their address.