Politicians' and Royals' security is to be urgently reviewed in the wake of Anne Widdecombe's 'murder', Home Secretary says

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has admitted there is 'insufficient protection for those who serve' and expanded police support with immediate effect to cover party leaders who are not MPs, peers, former MPs and political spokespeople. Former national security adviser Sir Stephen Lovegrove will lead an independent review examining whether current arrangements are fit for purpose, covering royals, ministers, MPs and other prominent public figures. The Independent Office for Police Conduct will separately investigate the police response to Widdecombe's home and report early next year.

Ann Widdecombe, 78, was attacked with a hammer 21 times at her Devon home on July 8, three months before Monday's Commons statement.

Joshua Kerry, 28, of Rotherham, is charged with her murder and with a terror plot against Nigel Farage, allegedly trying to break into his south London home in April 2025.

Kerry is accused of being motivated by an extreme left-wing mindset and 'hostility to Reform', and of conducting online reconnaissance of prominent figures and institutions.