Reform UK ramps up MPs' security as Ann Widdecombe murder manhunt approaches third day

Reform MPs will receive 24/7 security protection as police continue their murder manhunt following Ann Widdecombe's death.

The search is entering its third day after the former MEP was found dead on Thursday at her Dartmoor bungalow with serious injuries.

Devon and Cornwall Police launched a murder investigation on Friday and confirmed they had arrested a 26-year-old white British national, who was later released and was no longer part of the investigation.

They have since arrested another man in South Yorkshire on suspicion of Ms Widdecombe's murder.

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Although police have said there is "no information" to indicate the crime was "politically-motivated", Ms Widdecombe's death has triggered widespread discussion on the safety of politicians.

"As things stand, we don’t know if it was politically motivated or a robbery entirely unconnected with Ann’s political beliefs," a Reform insider told the Mail on Sunday.

"But it stands to reason that Reform politicians run a particularly high risk."

Meanwhile, the party's deputy leader, Richard Tice, argued it was "more dangerous around Parliament than almost anywhere else".

"It is a flashpoint," he said.

Party sources explained they were "doing everything we can to keep our people safe", which is said to include around-the-clock security protection.

Nadine Dorries, a former Tory Culture Secretary who jumped over to Reform UK last year, confirmed she was moving out of her countryside cottage following Ms Widdecombe's death.

"This is the first time in the 25 years since I first stepped into public life that I feel genuinely scared," Ms Dorries said.

"Knowing that Ann died in horrific circumstances – possibly murdered for the principled political views she held – has only deepened the state of fear that those of us who dare to be in right-of-centre politics feel today."

Earlier today, Mr Farage paid tribute to his political ally at her home in Devon, where he laid a wreath outside the property.

He said: "What (Ms Widdecombe's death) does say is that the people now in public life, especially in politics, the world is very much more dangerous than it's ever, ever been, whatever the outcome of the motives of the killer."

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Mr Farage said that, with modern technology, authorities will find the resolution "very, very quickly".

Yesterday, Ms Widdecombe's death was described as a "terrible reflection on modern Britain", according to Mr Farage, who has warned of increasing dangers facing politicians.

In the past, Mr Farage has spoken out about fears over his own security and safety, with the leader often facing public threats.

Over the course of his political career, he has been the victim of unruly attacks on several occasions, from daylight eggings to thrown milkshakes and once finding himself trapped in a pub as aggressors closed in.

Amongst the controversy lies a £5million donation from Thailand-based crypto billionaire Chris Harborne, which Mr Farage told journalists was to go towards lifetime security.

He described the importance of his personal security and claimed he would need protection "until the day I die".

And, when Mr Farage announced his resignation as MP last week, he said: "I've been attacked again and again, and I am the most physically and verbally attacked public figure or politician of modern times."

Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman said the force was "making progress" and "pursuing a number of lines of enquiry" following Ms Widdecombe's death.

Police elected not to release any further information, including descriptions of any potential suspects or any CCTV footage.

"Releasing such information prematurely could compromise ongoing enquiries and may prejudice future investigative opportunities," ACC Longman said.

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