Richard Tice says Nigel Farage safety concerns ignored after terror plot charge

Security fears surrounding high-profile politicians have intensified following a terror charge against the man already accused of murdering former minister Ann Widdecombe, prompting fresh scrutiny from party leadership and the government. According to Leaderlive reporting and ABC News, Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice criticized the historical handling of threats made against Reform UK leader Nigel Farage.

Speaking to the BBC Radio 4 Today programme, Tice noted that while the party has held high-level discussions with officials and noticed a significant shift in how authorities approach intelligence regarding threats, past warnings went unheeded.

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"What’s particularly upsetting for those of us in and around him is sometimes he’s not being believed, not being listened to"

Richard Tice, Reform UK Deputy Leader, via BBC Radio 4

Tice stated that Farage had discussed the risks to his security many times over the years, describing the situation as shocking and noting that when things occur close to home, it forces people to take a big intake of breath. Counter Terrorism Policing announced on Friday that 28-year-old Joshua Kerry had been charged with one count of preparation of terrorist acts. The alleged activity spans from May 31 2024 to July 8 2026. Kerry, residing on Byrley Road in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, is also accused of murdering Widdecombe.

The 78-year-old politician and former Conservative minister was found dead on July 8 at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor, Devon, after suffering multiple hammer blows. A court previously heard she was hit over the head with a hammer 21 times. Widdecombe had served as a Reform spokeswoman after a long career as a Conservative member of Parliament and government minister, later appearing on reality television shows before returning to politics. Kerry is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Wednesday.

The latest development compounds existing anxiety across the political spectrum regarding the safety of public figures. As detailed by ABC News, the UK has experienced high-profile security tragedies in recent years, including the 2016 murder of Labour MP Jo Cox, who was shot and stabbed by a far-right extremist, and the 2021 killing of Conservative MP David Amess, who was stabbed by an attacker inspired by the Islamic State group. In response to the growing threat landscape, Counter Terrorism Policing reopened an investigation in August into a previous firebomb incident at Farage's south London home. The Metropolitan Police and CTP London had initially investigated the incident as an attempted burglary, making no arrests before closing the case.

Following its reopening, CTP London identified a line of inquiry that may have been relevant but was not identified and pursued at the time. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) previously said they were investigating the conduct of a CTP London staff member after an allegation that the employee failed to identify and pursue a line of inquiry.

Government officials have acknowledged the gravity of the situation. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood condemned the targeting of public figures, expressing her sympathies to Farage and his family via social media.

"Let no one make any mistake: an attack on anyone in politics is an attack on us all."

Shabana Mahmood, Home Secretary, via X

Mahmood stated that the new charges raise critical questions regarding the safety of those in public life. She said she will update MPs on work to strengthen protections for them when Parliament returns later this month.

Further developments in the criminal proceedings are expected this week as Kerry appears in court, while parliamentary observers look toward the government's upcoming legislative and physical security updates for elected officials.