Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has commissioned an independent review of security arrangements for politicians, members of the Royal Family and other prominent public figures following the murder of former Conservative minister and Reform UK spokesperson Ann Widdecombe.
Announcing the decision to MPs on Monday 12 October 2026, Mahmood also confirmed an immediate expansion of dedicated police support for political figures who are not currently members of the House of Commons.
Sir Stephen Lovegrove to lead review
Former national security adviser Sir Stephen Lovegrove will lead the review, examining whether existing protective security arrangements are fit for purpose and whether protection is directed towards those facing the greatest risks.
The review will consider physical threats, online risks, terrorism, extremism, hostile-state activity, harassment and intimidation. It will cover prominent figures including members of the Royal Family, ministers, MPs and locally elected representatives, as well as security at government buildings and diplomatic premises.
In her Commons statement, Mahmood said the review would report within six months. The Home Office said its detailed terms of reference and timetable remained subject to agreement with Sir Stephen.
Police support extended beyond serving MPs
Under the changes announced with immediate effect, dedicated police support will be extended to political party leaders who are not MPs, peers, former MPs, former members of devolved legislatures and party spokespeople.
Those covered will have access to a named police officer and assistance with wider security measures. The announcement does not mean that everyone in these categories will automatically receive a personal bodyguard.
Announcement follows murder of Ann Widdecombe
The review follows the killing of Ann Widdecombe at her Devon home in July 2026. Joshua Kerry has been charged with her murder and with a terrorism-related offence involving alleged preparations targeting Reform UK leader Nigel Farage. The allegations are subject to ongoing criminal proceedings; he has not been convicted of these offences.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct is separately examining the police response to an alleged attempted break-in at Farage’s home in 2025. That investigation has not reached a final published conclusion, and the Home Secretary urged MPs not to prejudge it.
Lovegrove’s review will examine the protective security system as a whole rather than determining responsibility in individual cases.
Separate review of MPs’ constituency security
The new work will complement an existing review led by former justice secretary Sir Robert Buckland into lessons from the murder of Conservative MP Sir David Amess, including the security of MPs working in their constituencies.
The Home Office also cited Electoral Commission findings that 55% of candidates reported harassment or intimidation at both the 2024 general election and the May 2026 local elections.
What happens next
Sir Stephen will examine how protection decisions are made, whether existing funding is being used effectively and proportionately, and how the system should respond to changing threats. Ministers have said they will consider recommendations arising from the review; no final package of reforms has yet been announced.