A serious review of security for Members of Parliament is urgently required following the death of Ann Widdecombe, according to Andy Burnham. The former Greater Manchester mayor, who is anticipated to assume the role of prime minister next Monday, remarked that the political climate has significantly "darkened" during his decade-long absence from Westminster.
While expressing shock at the current level of security measures already in place, Burnham suggested that further increases may be necessary to ensure the safety of public officials.
The death of Widdecombe, a former Conservative MP and prominent Reform UK spokeswoman, is currently being treated as a targeted attack. Counter-terrorism police are investigating the incident, which has reignited a national debate regarding the protection afforded to politicians.
A 28-year-old white British man from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, was initially arrested on suspicion of murder last Saturday.
By Monday, he was re-arrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation, or instigation of acts of terrorism. Widdecombe was discovered dead at her residence in Haytor, Devon, on Thursday.
Reflecting on the perceived dangers of frontline politics, Burnham noted that while social media is often blamed, it appears to be fostering a toxic environment within political discourse. He recalled his personal history with Widdecombe, stating that they had maintained a good relationship during their time in the House, but acknowledged that the atmosphere in politics has fundamentally shifted.
Meanwhile, Reform’s Robert Jenrick has criticized the government, labeling the handling of Nigel Farage’s state-funded security a "dereliction of duty" and claiming it had been downgraded. The Home Office dismissed these allegations as "categorically untrue," asserting that ministers play no role in determining individual security arrangements.
Before entering Parliament in the 2024 general election, any state-funded security for Farage was managed by the Royal and VIP Executive Committee (Ravec). Upon his election, responsibility shifted to the Parliamentary Security Department.
Reform sources allege that Farage was offered an enhanced package in July 2024, comprising two rotating teams of eight security officials, which was later reduced in September 2025 to a car, driver, and one close protection officer.
House of Commons authorities declined to comment on specific security arrangements, emphasizing that such measures are subject to rigorous, risk-based assessments conducted by professionals. Because Farage recently resigned and triggered a by-election, his security oversight has returned to Ravec.
The protection of politicians remains a critical issue following the murders of Sir David Amess in 2021 and Jo Cox in 2016. In response to these risks, the Conservative government pledged a £31m security package in May 2024, and a 2022 review led to the implementation of tailored security advice for MPs based on their unique individual circumstances.
Asked why he thought frontline politics had become so dangerous, Burnham said: "It's easy to blame social media, but it feels like it's having some impact in just building that kind of toxicity that's around the political debate."
He added: "It's obviously appalling what happened to Ann.
