Shabana Mahmood orders security review after Ann Widdecombe’s death

Shabana Mahmood has ordered an independent review into security for the royal family and high-profile politicians due to “serious questions” about their safety. The home secretary has commissioned the review after the alleged murder of Ann Widdecombe and other recent cases that she described as “an attack on democracy itself”. Most commented 1 Tiger kills man who ‘jumped’ into pen at Yorkshire Wildlife Park 786 comments Sir Stephen Lovegrove, the former national security adviser, has been appointed to lead the review into whether the system was fit for purpose to tackle threats from terrorism, extremism and hostile states, as well as harassment and intimidation. Officers near the former MP’s house in Devon MARK PASSMORE FOR THE TIMES The Home Office said Widdecombe’s death was one of several recent events to raise “serious questions about the security of those in public life”. Top stories 1 Starbucks ‘explores takeover’ of Chipotle Mexican Grill US business Mahmood told the Commons: “For those who serve, politics is a calling. Robust debate and criticism are part of this job, threats, abuse and violence are not. Advertisement “Today, as on so many other days, we remember Ann Widdecombe, Sir David Amess and Jo Cox, three beloved colleagues and three champions of our democracy. We owe it to them and to everyone who believes in a fair and open country to ensure those who serve at all levels receive the protection they deserve.” Top stories 1 Budget 2026 predictions: when is it and what could change? Economics 2 ‘I went from high-flyer to house husband. Here’s how I beat my shame’ Family Finances 3 Retirement isn’t a cliff edge. It’s a window and you need to plan for that Pensions Mahmood said that regardless of the outcome of the investigation into Widdecombe’s death, “it is clear there is insufficient protection for those who serve”. She said the review would report within six months and added: “My commitment is that [Lovegrove’s] findings must and will lead to tangible change, and that the state’s resources will be rebalanced to protect those people and places that need it most.” ‘Ann Widdecombe was Dad’s best friend. Her death is like a sick dream’ Mahmood said she had asked the Independent Office for Police Conduct to investigate the allegations that Joshua Kerry, who has been charged with Widdecombe’s murder, had previously targeted the home of Nigel Farage. She said: “We must first ensure that every opportunity was taken in this particular case to stop this attacker.” Advertisement Lovegrove will examine whether those at greatest risk received enough protection, whether funding and security measures were used effectively and proportionately and how decisions could be made more consistently. Shabana Mahmood at Labour conference last month ADAM VAUGHAN/EPA Its scope includes protection for members of the royal family, government ministers, MPs, local representatives and other prominent political figures. It will examine security at high-risk sites, including government buildings and diplomatic premises. Dedicated police support will be extended to former MPs, peers, political party spokespeople and party leaders outside parliament, giving them a named officer to contact about their security. The review will not look into individual cases but Mahmood said she would consider recommendations to reform the system.