Police support expanded to former MPs, peers and spokespeople

Police support is being expanded with immediate effect to political figures who are not MPs, including former MPs, peers and party spokespeople, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood told Parliament on 12 October.

Those covered will have “access to a named police officer, as well as help with wider security measures”. Mahmood said it was “clear there is insufficient protection for those who serve”.

The Home Office said dedicated police support will also be expanded to leaders of political parties who are not MPs and to former members of the devolved parliaments.

Neither the oral statement nor the press release said how many people would be covered by the expanded support or what it would cost.

The review

Mahmood also announced an independent review of the protective security provided by the state to those in public life, to be led by Sir Stephen Lovegrove, the former national security adviser. Mahmood told Parliament it would report within six months. The written announcement added that the terms of reference and timeframe are subject to agreement with Sir Stephen.

The review will look at whether current security arrangements are fit for purpose, in particular ensuring there is adequate protection for those most at risk. That includes high-profile individuals (including royals), government ministers, MPs, locally elected representatives and other prominent individuals in British politics. It will not include an assessment of individual cases.

Sir Stephen will also examine 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. Mahmood said the review would examine protective security “from every angle”, including physical threats and online risks. It will also cover high-risk sites such as government buildings and diplomatic estates.

The announcement said the murder of Ann Widdecombe “is one of several recent events to raise serious questions about the security of those in public life”.

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. That review will consider the security of MPs in their constituencies.

Electoral Commission findings quoted in the press release showed that 55% of all candidates in the local elections in May experienced some form of harassment and intimidation, as did the same proportion of candidates at the 2024 general election.

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.”