Politics · United Kingdom · 8 hrs ago
UK to review security for public figures after Ann Widdecombe’s killing
The UK government has ordered an urgent review of security for people in public life after former minister Ann Widdecombe was killed in July.
The review will cover figures including members of the royal family, ministers, lawmakers and other prominent politicians.
Former national security adviser Sir Stephen Lovegrove will lead it and examine how security is provided, funded and coordinated.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said police support would be extended to former MPs, peers and party spokespeople, including access to a named police officer and help with wider security measures.
Joshua Kerry has been charged with Widdecombe’s murder and is also accused of trying to enter Reform UK leader Nigel Farage’s home in 2025.
The review will consider wider threats such as terrorism, extremism, harassment and intimidation, but will not assess individual cases.
Its findings are intended to help determine whether current protections are adequate and proportionate.
The UK will urgently review security arrangements for high-profile public figures after the killing of former minister Ann Widdecombe.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said former MPs, peers and political party spokespeople would receive expanded police support.
Former national security adviser Sir Stephen Lovegrove will lead the review of state-provided protection.
The review will examine whether security measures and funding are effective and proportionate, and whether decisions respond consistently to threats.
Joshua Kerry has been charged with Widdecombe’s murder and is accused of trying to enter Reform UK leader Nigel Farage’s home in 2025.
- Who
- The UK government, with Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announcing the review and Sir Stephen Lovegrove leading it.
- What
- The government will review security for prominent public figures and expand police support for some political figures.
- When
- Announced on Monday, October 12, 2026.
- Where
- The review concerns public figures in the UK.
- Why
- It follows the killing of Ann Widdecombe and concerns about threats, harassment and intimidation targeting people in public life.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Prosecutors allege Joshua Kerry travelled to Nigel Farage’s home in south London and tried to break in.
Ann Widdecombe was found dead at her home in Haytor, Devon.
Shabana Mahmood announced an urgent security review and expanded police support for some political figures.
- Review lead
- Sir Stephen Lovegrove, former UK national security adviser
- Police support
- Access to a named police officer and help with wider security measures
- Widdecombe
- Found dead on 9 July at her home in Haytor, Devon
- Accused
- Joshua Kerry, 28, charged with Widdecombe’s murder
- Harassment
- 55% of candidates at the May local elections experienced some form of harassment and intimidation
What people are saying
I can therefore announce today that I will expand, with immediate effect, police support to political figures who are not currently members of parliament,
It is clear there is insufficient protection for those who serve,
Sources
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