Shabana Mahmood Orders Security Review After Ann Widdecombe Murder

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has ordered an urgent, independent review of security arrangements for royals and high-profile public figures, including ministers and lawmakers. The decision follows the July 8 murder of Reform UK spokeswoman and former minister Ann Widdecombe at her home in Devon. Joshua Kerry, 28, has been charged with Widdecombe's murder and the preparation of terrorist acts, including an attempted break-in at the south London home of Reform UK leader Nigel Farage in April 2025. Investigators also uncovered a target list allegedly including Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch and several Reform MPs.

With immediate effect, Mahmood expanded police support to include party spokespeople, peers, former MPs, and political party leaders who are not members of Parliament, granting them access to named police officers and security assistance. Former national security adviser Sir Stephen Lovegrove will lead the review, which evaluates current funding and protective measures and builds upon a previous inquiry into the murder of Sir David Amess.

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley confirmed that security for Prince Harry remains under review as part of a national risk assessment process. While the Jo Cox Foundation and Reform UK welcomed the expansion, the foundation urged the government to address root causes such as online harms. Zia Yusuf, a Reform UK spokesman, criticized the government for waiting until a murder occurred to take action.