The person mentioned on this thread was both a member and an election candidate for the Green Party, not a single issue private individual. In areas I know well from canvassing there was no shortage of really unpleasant hate promoting the Green candidates, all of it identity based (mostly anti semitic in those areas but some on other identity characteristics depending on which ward was covered). The actual environment was rarely if ever mentioned.
I would never kid myself that spreading hate is the preserve of one faction in politics.
What is different from canvassing/campaigning 20+ years ago is the authoritarianism and absolutism. 20+ years ago the aim was winning hearts and minds (both single issue campaigns such as Stonewall’s or broader political campaigns). Now its just about identities and screaming bigot in the face of those who disagree. There is no interest from the newer parties and a chunk of the old in making a case, finding a middle ground, looking for the nuance. There is no debate to be had, just compliance. I have never found screeching “bigot” in someone’s face to make any difference to the world, however much of a smug glow it gives to the screamer. It's a beautiful thing, the destruction of words...
Widdecombe held many views I profoundly disagreed with. She also stood by and supported people she disagreed with and protected their rights to free speech and often in the face of criticism from her own side. This is not uncommon despite what the authoritarians on both political wings would have us believe.