Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has claimed that Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer told him that the killing of former Tory and Reform politician Ann Widdecombe was a burglary gone wrong. The claim comes a week after Widdecombe's death, which has intensified political tensions.
Farage's Allegations
Speaking to TalkTV, Farage said both the Prime Minister and the Chief Constable of Devon and Cornwall Police had given him the information. 'They both told me it’s a burglary that’s gone wrong,' he told the channel. However, Farage expressed disbelief, stating: 'I said no, it is not, a burglar does not park his car on your drive and walk into the house. A burglar parks in the lay-by down the road and has a getaway driver.'
Security Concerns and Political Fallout
Farage has frequently voiced growing fears about his safety and that of his MPs. Earlier this week, Reform UK was forced to offer private security to its representatives after accusing the police and government of not providing adequate protection. The Home Secretary has since offered to arrange for Farage to meet the heads of the body responsible for protecting MPs.
Escalating War of Words
Speaking in Dartmoor on Saturday, where he laid a floral tribute to Widdecombe, Farage said he had no doubt it was 'a premeditated murder' – a claim he repeated on Wednesday. The incident marks the latest escalation in a war of words between Reform UK and the government. Robert Jenrick, the party's treasury spokesman, accused ministers of 'playing politics' with Farage's life, claiming they had chosen not to give him protection because they disagreed with his political views.
Government Denial
Ministers robustly deny Jenrick's claims. A Home Office spokesman said the accusations were 'categorically untrue', adding: 'Nigel Farage has been offered a meeting with the chair of Ravec – the independently chaired committee that manages the security of those in public life.'
