Home secretary Shabana Mahmood has ordered an independent root-and-branch review of the protective security provided by the state to those in public life, to be led by former UK national security adviser Sir Stephen Lovegrove. The review will examine whether current arrangements ensure adequate protection for those most at risk, including members of the royal family, government ministers, MPs, locally elected representatives and other prominent individuals in British politics. It will not assess individual cases.
Mahmood said the UK's protective security system would be re-examined to combat growing risks of terrorism, extremism and state threats, as well as harassment and intimidation. Addressing parliament, she said it was "clear there is insufficient protection for those who serve".
"I can therefore announce today that I will expand, with immediate effect, police support to political figures who are not currently members of parliament," she said. "This will include former members of parliament, peers and party spokespeople, giving them access to a named police officer, as well as help with wider security measures."
Widdecombe, a former Conservative minister and Reform UK spokesperson, was found dead at her home in Haytor, Devon, on 9 July with serious injuries. Joshua Kerry, 28, has been charged with her murder. He is also accused of "online reconnaissance" of prominent people and institutions and of travelling to Reform UK leader Nigel Farage's home in south London on 19 April 2025 and attempting to break in 15 months before Widdecombe was killed.
Mahmood said: "In a more dangerous world, we are faced by threats from without and within that target our democracy and our way of life. In response, we are adapting and strengthening our defences."
Lovegrove will review how existing security is provided, whether funding and other measures are being used effectively and proportionately, and how decision-making can be more consistent in response to threat and risk. A separate review into the murder of Sir David Amess MP, led by Robert Buckland, is ongoing.