Home Secretary orders security review after Widdecombe killing

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 12 Oct, 20:58 · Archive

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has ordered an urgent review of security arrangements for politicians and royals following the death of Reform UK spokeswoman Ann Widdecombe.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has announced an urgent review of security arrangements for high-profile public figures including politicians and royals. The review follows the death of Ann Widdecombe, a 78-year-old Reform UK spokeswoman, who was killed on July 8 at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor, Devon.

Police support will be expanded significantly under the new arrangements. The expanded protection will now include leaders of political parties who are not MPs, as well as peers, former MPs, former members of devolved parliaments and political party spokespeople.

Former national security adviser Sir Stephen Lovegrove has been appointed to lead the independent review of existing protection, funding and security measures. The review will build on a separate inquiry conducted by Sir Robert Buckland into the murder of Sir David Amess.

Mahmood told Parliament: 'Those who enter public life do so to serve. Robust debate and criticism are part of the job. Threats, abuse and violence are not.' She added: 'An attack on any individual in public life is an attack on every one of us, and it is an attack on democracy itself.'

Joshua Kerry, 28, has been charged with Widdecombe's murder. He has also been charged with a terror plot against Reform UK leader Nigel Farage. The outlets report that the two cases are considered linked.

Home Secretary orders security review after Widdecombe killing — Image: Colchester Gazette

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How it is being reported

Home Secretary orders review following alleged Farage terror plotHome Secretary Shabana Mahmood orders urgent review of security for politicians and royals after Ann Widdecombe’s July 8 killing, expanding police support.Colchester Gazette · 12 Oct, 20:19
Home Secretary orders review following alleged Farage terror plotHome Secretary Shabana Mahmood orders urgent review of security for politicians and royals after Ann Widdecombe’s July 8 killing, expanding police support.Brentwood Guardian · 12 Oct, 20:19
Home Secretary orders review following alleged Farage terror plotHome Secretary Shabana Mahmood orders urgent review of security for politicians and royals after Ann Widdecombe’s July 8 killing, expanding police support.Echo (Basildon) · 12 Oct, 20:19

In this story: Shabana Mahmood · Ann Widdecombe · Stephen Lovegrove · Robert Buckland · Joshua Kerry · Nigel Farage · Reform UK · Dartmoor

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