Home Office commissions review of security protections for high-profile public figures including local representatives

Announcing the independent review on Tuesday (13 October), the Home Office said it comes in response to the death of Ann Widdecombe, who was murdered in July this year.

The review will consider the UK’s protective security system to combat the growing risks of terrorism, extremism and state threats, as well as harassment and intimidation.

It will be carried out by Sir Stephen Lovegrove, who will look at whether current security arrangements are fit for purpose, in particular ensuring there is adequate protection for those most at risk.

This includes high-profile individuals (including royals), government ministers, MPs, locally elected representatives, and other prominent individuals in British politics.

Sir Stephen will look at how existing security is provided, whether funding and measures are being used effectively and proportionately, and how decision-making can be more consistent in response to threat and risk, the Government said.

The review will build on the work of Sir Robert Buckland, who is conducting a separate review into the murder of Sir David Amess MP, which will consider the security of MPs in their constituencies.

The review comes as politicians, elected representatives, and those in public office are facing heightened risks and threats to their safety.

In May’s local elections the Electoral Commission found that 55% of all candidates experienced some form of harassment and intimidation, as did the same proportion of candidates at the 2024 General Election.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said: "Those who enter public life do so to serve. Robust debate and criticism are part of the job. Threats, abuse and violence are not. 

"An attack on any individual in public life is an attack on every one of us, and it is an attack on democracy itself. 

"We owe it to those public servants we have tragically lost, and to everyone who believes in a fair and open country, to ensure those who serve receive the protection they deserve."

Adam Carey