Reform UK has not shared information about a security threat against Nigel Farage with the police, as senior party members say they do not trust the authorities. Richard Tice, one of the party's most senior figures, told the media this morning that evidence of what the party called a "credible" threat against their leader was not handed over.
Tice defends decision
Speaking to Sky News, Mr Tice said: "Nigel's security team are tasked with keeping him safe, secure and alive." He added that the team had made an assessment that they could not "guarantee" his safety at the Clacton by-election count, which Mr Farage refused to attend this morning. A party source said this was due to his security team being concerned about a threat.
Mr Tice defended the security fears by citing the recent death of Ann Widdecombe, a Reform member, former MP and Express columnist. Ms Widdecombe was found dead at her Devon home earlier this year. He said: "We have in recent weeks, tragically and horrifically, had one of our close friends, a senior politician, murdered. And we have had the truth come out about an alleged firebombing in Nigel's home last year."
No police involvement
When asked whether they had shared information with the police, Mr Tice said: "Obviously not, because the whole point of having a security team - who are carrying out intelligence from a variety of sources - is that has to be its own secure judgement. The last thing you do is give your enemies information."
He added: "With the greatest of respect, we are literally just six days from when the Metropolitan Police, and the Counter Terrorism have had to apologise for not properly investigating a serious incident at Nigel's home last year. In the nicest possible way I am going to trust Nigel's security team more than I trust any police force or anybody else."
Mr Farage has round-the-clock security, which Reform UK claims is funded by private donations, including a £5 million gift from cryptocurrency billionaire Christopher Harborne. Essex Police have previously said there were no "incidents or issues" regarding the Clacton by-election on Thursday or overnight, and that the decision of whether candidates attend the election count is "for individuals and their security teams".
