Home Secretary launches security review after Ann Widdecombe's murder
Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 12 Oct, 19:43 · Archive
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has ordered an urgent review of protection for high-profile public figures following Ann Widdecombe's murder.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced an urgent review of security arrangements for high-profile public figures on Monday, following the death of Ann Widdecombe. The former Conservative minister and Reform UK spokesperson was killed at her home in Devon in July.
The review will examine whether current protective security measures are fit for purpose for government ministers, MPs, senior political figures, members of the Royal Family and other prominent individuals. Sir Stephen Lovegrove, a former UK national security adviser, has been appointed to lead the independent inquiry. The review will assess risks including terrorism, extremism, state threats and harassment.
Mahmood announced that police support will be expanded with immediate effect to cover political figures not currently in Parliament, including former MPs, party leaders who are not MPs, peers, former members of devolved parliaments and party spokespeople. The Guardian reports that Joshua Kerry, 28, has been charged with Widdecombe's murder and is also accused of online reconnaissance of prominent people and attempting to break into Reform UK leader Nigel Farage's home in April 2025.
How it is being reported
- Shabana Mahmood announces review of politicians' safety after Ann Widdecombe deathHome Secretary Shabana Mahmood told MPs that an attack on any politician is an attack on all as she voiced her solidarity with Nigel Farage after Ann Widdecombe's suspected killer was charged with a terrorism offenceThe Mirror · 12 Oct, 19:50
- Security for high-profile public figures to be reviewed after Ann Widdecombe’s murderHome secretary vows to defend against ‘threats from without and within that target our democracy’ Security arrangements for high-profile public figures including politicians and members of the royal family are to be urgently reviewed in the wake of the killing of Ann Widdecombe , Shabana Mahmood said on Monday. The home secretary said former MPs, party leaders who are not MPs, peers, former members of devolved parliaments and party spokespeople will also be offered police support. Continue reading...Guardian World · 12 Oct, 19:20
- Home Secretary admits politicians' security measures are not good enough as she launches review of VIPs' protection in the wake of Anne Widdecombe's 'murder'Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced an overhaul of the protection system on Monday amid growing concerns over the safety of those in public life.Daily Mail · 12 Oct, 18:29
In this story: Shabana Mahmood · Ann Widdecombe · Sir Stephen Lovegrove · Joshua Kerry · Nigel Farage · Conservative Party · Reform UK · Devon
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