“HAS EVERYTHING CHANGED OVERNIGHT?” Following the shσcking de@th of Ann Widdecombe, Nigel Farage has received a major security update as fresh concerns grow over his safety

Nigel Farage has been offered a meeting with the head of a parliamentary body responsible for politicians’ security following the death of Ann Widdecombe.

Speaking in the House of Commons this afternoon (July 13), Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood confirmed she would also be reviewing security advice for former MPs amid growing concerns from Reform UK over the safety of the party’s elected representatives.

Ms Mahmood said: “I recognise the particular concern that the Reform Party will feel today, and of course Nigel Farage, the party’s leader.

“I’m happy to offer a meeting for Mr Farage with the chair of Ravec (Royal and VIP Executive Committee), the independent body within the Home Office that manages the security of those in public life.

“I will also be looking at what security guidance can be provided to former members of Parliament, which I hope to work with you on Mr Speaker, as well as those who serve a party outside of this place.”

The former MP is believed to have been attacked on Wednesday, July 8.

Miss Widdecombe is thought to have sustained a head wound and was found dead at her Dartmoor home at around 11.40am on Thursday. Her property in Haytor was swiftly declared a major crime scene overnight.

Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) is now heading a murder investigation into Miss Widdecombe’s death after fresh evidence came to light in what has been described as a “dynamic and complex” case. A man initially arrested on suspicion of murder on Saturday, July 11, has since been rearrested on suspicion of commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.

The suspect is a 28-year-old white British man from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, CTP confirmed.

Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp, also addressing the House of Commons today, urged members of the public to refrain from speculating about the death of Miss Widdecombe, warning that doing so makes the job of police considerably more difficult and could prejudice a trial.

He said: “I’d like to thank the police for releasing the information they have so far, including about the identity of the suspect. It is always important to release as much information as possible in the interests of transparency and to avoid misinformation filling the void.”

On the subject of threats to those in public life, Mr Philp said: “We must redouble our efforts to ensure that public political figures who are MPs, and those like Ann who are not MPs, always receive the proportionate protection they need.”

He further added that politicians should “set an example of civility and calm, and not inflame”.

Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle reassured MPs that their security concerns are treated equally and are “passed on to the security people to deal with”.

He told MPs: “Every member of Parliament is equal in their security to me – there is no difference between any member, I want to reassure you.

“When things are brought to my attention – because we don’t discuss security, I don’t put out there what is happening, what has been done – but I reassure everybody that when it is mentioned to me, it is passed on to the security people to deal with.

“Unfortunately, I’m sorry that people don’t think I do that.”

Zia Yusuf, Reform UK’s home affairs spokesman, on Sunday claimed in a post on X that Sir Lindsay, the Government and the police did not “care at all about the security of Reform MPs”.

Dame Karen Bradley, the Conservative MP for Staffordshire Moorlands who chairs the Commons Home Affairs Committee, said she wanted to “thank Staffordshire Police” for reaching out to her over the weekend and visiting her home to assess her security arrangements.

“I know police forces across the country will be doing that and I’m very grateful to them for taking that time,” Dame Karen added.