‘Despair and anger’: minority groups in Reform seats adjust to life after its election success

Some Muslim and LGBTQ+ constituents say they would feel uneasy approaching their new MPs including Nigel Farage

It was a few days before the general election when Arjun* was targeted in the seaside resort of Clacton-on-Sea. “I was with my friends … we were laughed and giggled at. They said: ‘What are you doing here?’ So I ignored it,” he said. “They picked on us because we looked different to everybody else.”

Arjun moved to the Essex town more than six years ago after growing up in the East Midlands. He described feeling “happy” living and working in the area but is now fearful, speaking to the Guardian anonymously due to concerns he could be harassed again.