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A review focused on the security of politicians is currently underway, led by former Conservative justice secretary Sir Robert Buckland. The review is expected to deliver its findings within six months. This scrutiny into the safety of elected officials has gained increased attention following several high-profile tragedies, including the murder of former Conservative MP Ann Widdecombe in July of this year, the killing of Sir David Amess in 2021, and the assassination of Labour MP Jo Cox in 2016.
Since the death of her father, Sir David Amess’s daughter described the past five years as “absolutely devastating and heartbreaking,” emphasizing the ongoing and very real dangers faced by politicians today. She has advocated for a public inquiry into politician safety, calling for “full openness, honesty, and transparency” so that the public can be fully informed. As the anniversary of Sir David’s murder approaches, concerns have also grown over other violent incidents, including the fact that the individual charged with Ann Widdecombe’s murder has been linked to plotting acts of terror, reportedly targeting figures such as Reform UK leader Nigel Farage.
Though Ann Widdecombe was not a sitting member of Parliament at the time of her death, she remained involved in politics as a member of Reform UK, having previously served as the Conservative MP for Maidstone and the Weald from 1987 to 2010. Sir David Amess’s daughter expressed her grief, stating, “It’s absolutely so tragic and heartbreaking that now she isn’t here either.” She questioned why, despite the tragic losses and the passing of time, attacks on current and former politicians continue unabated.
In a related case highlighting the threats faced by public figures, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch revealed that a man who admitted to sending her threatening messages had also targeted her family. Kieran Kyle, 43, pleaded guilty in court in September to two counts of sending indecent or offensive communications. His sentencing is scheduled for October 29. Badenoch spoke openly about the rising threats against politicians, referencing attacks on figures like Nigel Farage and Keir Starmer, whose home was reportedly firebombed. “It’s really tough, but you just have to get on with it,” she shared regarding how she copes. Meanwhile, Reform UK’s deputy leader Richard Tice described the situation as far from ideal, stressing the importance of balancing accessibility for politicians with their protection. He suggested that voters might support increased spending on security to ensure politicians remain both safe and approachable.
Sir David Amess was known for his openness and dedication to meeting constituents, with his daughter emphasizing his belief that “constituency surgeries” should continue despite the risks. She also noted that her father would have wanted to be informed if any potential threats were identified. Notably, his killer, Ali Harbi Ali, had previously been monitored under the government’s counter-terrorism programme Prevent from 2014 until the case was closed in 2016. A review published in February 2025 later concluded that Ali’s case had been prematurely closed following assessments described as “problematic.
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