All Reform UK parliamentarians receive round-the-clock protection after Widdecombe murder

Reform UK confirmed that each of its eight MPs will now be assigned 24-hour security, a decision prompted by the July killing of former Conservative minister Ann Widdecombe, who had been serving as the party’s immigration and justice spokesperson. Sarah Pochin, representing Runcorn and Helsby, explained that the heightened measures have made routine activities such as shopping or family visits highly intrusive, with armed guards accompanying her even on a recent holiday walk in North Wales.

She said her adult sons, aged 25 and 27, have urged her to leave politics out of fear for her safety. Earlier in the year, party leader Nigel Farage raised concerns about his own security being cut back and subsequently consulted the Royal and VIP Executive Committee, the body responsible for safeguarding prominent individuals. Pochin, a former Shell employee and ex-Conservative councillor, also criticized the pervasive chauvinism she encounters in Westminster, urging more women, including Suella Braverman, to join the parliamentary fight for stronger female representation.