Key facts
- Security for UK politicians and royals to be reviewed after Ann Widdecombe's murder.
- Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced the review on Monday.
- Sir Stephen Lovegrove will lead the independent review of protective security.
- The review will assess adequacy of protection against terrorism, extremism, and harassment.
- Police support will be expanded to former MPs, peers, and party spokespeople.
- Joshua Kerry has been charged with Widdecombe's murder and accused of online reconnaissance.
Security arrangements for high-profile public figures in the UK, including politicians and members of the royal family, are to be urgently reviewed following the killing of Ann Widdecombe. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced on Monday that the review will examine existing protective security measures against growing threats of terrorism, extremism, and harassment.
Sir Stephen Lovegrove, a former UK national security adviser, will lead the independent review. His assessment will focus on whether current arrangements provide adequate protection for those most at risk, including royals, government ministers, MPs, locally elected representatives, and other prominent political figures. The review will not assess individual cases.
Ann Widdecombe, a former Conservative minister and Reform UK spokesperson, was found dead at her home in Devon on July 9, having sustained serious injuries. Joshua Kerry, 28, has been charged with her murder. He is also accused of conducting "online reconnaissance" of prominent people and institutions, and of attempting to break into the home of Reform UK leader Nigel Farage in April 2025.
Mahmood stated in the Commons that "insufficient protection for those who serve" is evident, regardless of the outcome of the investigation into the incident at Farage's home. Consequently, police support will be immediately expanded to political figures not currently serving as MPs, including former MPs, peers, and party spokespeople, providing them with access to a named police officer and security assistance.
Lovegrove's review will also consider the effectiveness and proportionality of funding and other security measures, as well as the consistency of decision-making in response to threat and risk. Separately, Robert Buckland is conducting a review into the security of MPs in their constituencies, prompted by the murder of Sir David Amess MP.
Recent elections have highlighted concerns about candidate safety, with the Electoral Commission reporting that 55% of candidates experienced harassment or intimidation in both May's local elections and the 2024 general election.