Security for public figures to be reviewed after Ann Widdecombe's death

Security for high-profile public figures, including politicians and members of the royal family, is to be reviewed urgently after the killing of the former Conservative minister Ann Widdecombe, the home secretary has announced.

Shabana Mahmood told MPs that police support would be extended "with immediate effect" to political figures who are not currently MPs, including former MPs, peers, party leaders outside Parliament, former members of the devolved parliaments and party spokespeople. They will have access to a named police officer and help with wider security measures.

A root-and-branch review

The independent review will be led by Sir Stephen Lovegrove, a former national security adviser. It will look at whether current arrangements adequately protect those most at risk, including members of the royal family, ministers, MPs, local councillors and other prominent people, against threats from terrorism, extremism, hostile states, harassment and intimidation. It will not assess individual cases.

Lovegrove will examine how security is provided, whether money is being used effectively and proportionately, and how decisions can be made more consistently in response to threats.

"In a more dangerous world, we are faced by threats from without and within that target our democracy and our way of life," Mahmood said. "In response, we are adapting and strengthening our defences."

The case

Ann Widdecombe, a former Conservative minister who later became a spokesperson for Reform UK, was found dead at her home in Haytor, Devon, on 9 July with 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 the south London home of the Reform UK leader, Nigel Farage, in April 2025 and trying to get in. He has not yet stood trial, and nothing should be published that could prejudice the proceedings.

Growing concern

Threats against people in public life have been rising. The Electoral Commission found that 55% of candidates in May's local elections experienced some form of harassment or intimidation, the same proportion as at the 2024 general election.

A separate review by Robert Buckland into the murder of Sir David Amess, the Conservative MP killed at a constituency surgery in 2021, is looking at the security of MPs in their constituencies. Labour MP Jo Cox was murdered in her constituency in 2016.

Local representatives

The review's inclusion of locally elected representatives will be welcomed by councillors, many of whom hold surgeries, live in the communities they serve and have their addresses widely known. In Birmingham this week, a Reform councillor reported receiving a suspicious package at his home, though tests found nothing hazardous.

Councillors who are worried about their safety can raise concerns with their council and local police, and the Local Government Association publishes guidance on personal safety for elected members.