Government expands police support to political figures who are not MPs

Political figures who are not currently MPs will be given police support, the home secretary has announced.

Shabana Mahmood told MPs there was "insufficient protection" for those serving in public life and that the new announcement will cover peers, former MPs and party spokespeople.

She also announced an urgent, independent review of security arrangements for high-profile figures including politicians and royals.

It comes three months after Reform UK spokeswoman and former Conservative MP Ann Widdecombe was found dead at her home in Devon, having been hit on the head with a hammer 21 times as she ate lunch.

Joshua Kerry, 28, has been charged with her murder, and he was also charged with preparing acts of terror against Reform UK leader Nigel Farage.

Kerry is alleged to have carried out research on prominent targets over a period of two years, including trying to gain entry into Farage's London home.

Speaking in the Commons on Monday, Mahmood said that "robust debate and criticism are part of this job - threats, abuse and violence are not."

She did not elaborate on what the support would involve, but told MPs it would include access to a named police officer and help with wider security measures.