UK to review security for public figures after murder of Ann Widdecombe

UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood told the House of Commons that protective security for high-profile public figures, including politicians and members of the royal family, will be urgently reviewed. The decision follows the killing of Ann Widdecombe, a former Conservative minister and spokesperson for the Reform UK party.

Police support extended

Mahmood said police support would be widened with immediate effect to political figures who are not currently MPs. This covers former MPs, peers, party leaders who are not MPs, former members of devolved parliaments and party spokespeople. They will gain access to a named police officer and help with broader security measures.

She said that, whatever the outcome of the investigation into an attempted break-in at the home of Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, it was clear there is insufficient protection for those who serve.

Independent review

The review will be led by Sir Stephen Lovegrove, a former UK national security adviser. He will examine whether current arrangements adequately protect those at greatest risk, including members of the royal family, ministers, MPs, locally elected representatives and other prominent figures in British politics. He will also look at how security is provided, whether funding and other measures are used effectively and proportionately, and how decisions on threat and risk can be made more consistently. Individual cases will not be assessed.

The system is being re-examined because of growing risks from terrorism, extremism and state threats, as well as harassment and intimidation.

The case

Widdecombe was found dead on 9 July at her home in Haytor, Devon, having suffered serious injuries. Joshua Kerry, 28, has been charged with her murder. He is also accused of carrying out online reconnaissance of prominent people and institutions, and of travelling to Farage's home in south London on 19 April 2025 and trying to break in.

Separately, Robert Buckland is reviewing the murder of MP Sir David Amess, which will consider the security of MPs in their constituencies.

In May's local elections, the Electoral Commission found that 55% of candidates experienced some form of harassment and intimidation. The same proportion of candidates reported this at the 2024 general election.