Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood ordered an urgent review of security arrangements for high‑profile public figures after the killing of former Conservative MP Ann Widdecombe.

Review to cover former MPs and party officials

Mahmood said the review will examine protection for former MPs, party leaders who are no longer in the Commons, peers, ex‑members of devolved legislatures and party spokespeople. She added that police support for these groups will be expanded "with immediate effect".

The move follows a police investigation that linked the killing to a suspect charged earlier this month with planning a terror act against another senior politician.

Political reaction

Opposition parties welcomed the step, urging the government to fast‑track permanent arrangements. Labour leader Keir Starmer called the review "a necessary response to a shocking breach of safety for public servants".

Some senior Conservatives, however, warned against a blanket extension of police protection, citing concerns over cost and the precedent it could set for future requests.

Security precedent and next steps

Since the 2017 Manchester Arena attack, the UK has periodically updated the protection model for politicians, but sitting MPs have traditionally received the highest level of police detail. The Royal Family already benefits from dedicated security units.

Mahmood instructed the Home Office to deliver a report within six weeks, outlining recommendations on risk assessment, resource allocation and legislative changes. The findings will be presented to the Ministerial Committee on National Security before any new policy is enacted.

Analysts at the Institute for Government note that extending protection could strain police resources already stretched by counter‑terrorism duties, but stress that the review will clarify where gaps exist.

For now, former MPs and other high‑profile figures will receive ad‑hoc police assistance where a credible threat is identified, while the wider review proceeds.

The next public update is expected at the Home Office’s quarterly security briefing later this month.