Shabana Mahmood orders major shakeup after Ann Widdecombe’s murder

Shabana Mahmood orders major shakeup after Ann Widdecombe’s murder Security of politicians and royals to be urgently reviewed, Home Secretary says Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Bookmark Add us as preferred source Comments By Katie Harris , Senior Political Correspondent 21:04, Mon, Oct 12, 2026 Updated: 21:08, Mon, Oct 12, 2026 Security of politician to be urgently reviewed, Shabana Mahmood says (Image: Getty) Security arrangements for high-profile public figures including politicians will be reviewed urgently after Ann Widdecombe's murder, Shabana Mahmood has announced. The independent review, carried out by former national security adviser Sir Stephen Lovegrove, will look at how existing security is provided and whether funding and measures are being used effectively. Police support will be expanded to include leaders of political parties who are not MPs, as well as peers, former MPs, former members of the devolved parliaments and political party spokespeople. The Home Secretary said: "Those who enter public life do so to serve. Robust debate and criticism are part of the job. Threats, abuse and violence are not. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT “An attack on any individual in public life is an attack on every one of us, and it is an attack on democracy itself. “We owe it to those public servants we have tragically lost, and to everyone who believes in a fair and open country, to ensure those who serve receive the protection they deserve.” Get the latest politics news - straight from our team in Westminster and more I would like to receive emails from the Daily Express featuring our latest products, services, offers, and promotions from across the Reach Plc family . Subscribe Invalid email You agree you are 18 or over. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. You can unsubscribe at any time. More Info . Reform just revealed its rules on when military can use 'lethal force' on small boats Politics LIVE: Andy Burnham completely skewered over Brexit in Commons showdown Reform UK spokeswoman and former Tory minister Miss Widdecombe, 78, died in July after she was hit over the head with a hammer 21 times at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor, Devon. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT It is alleged that Joshua Kerry, who is charged with preparation of terrorist acts between May 31 2024 and July 8 2026, targeted Reform leader Nigel Farage 's house and had a list of names of politicians said to include Tory leader Kemi Badenoch and Reform MPs Richard Tice , Lee Anderson and Robert Jenrick. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT Speaking in the Commons, Ms Mahmood said that regardless of the outcome of the investigation into an attempted break-in at Mr Farage’s home, it is “clear there is insufficient protection for those who serve”. The new review will build on the work of Sir Robert Buckland, who is conducting a separate review into the murder of veteran Tory MP Sir David Amess. Reform's home affairs spokesman Zia Yusuf said: "This review from the Home Secretary is welcome, but it is disappointing that it took the murder of one of our colleagues, countless threats towards our party spokespeople and months of campaigning from Reform UK to make this government take action." Shabana Mahmood Ann Widdecombe Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Bookmark Add us as preferred source Comments