Man arrested over Nigel Farage threat after Widdecombe killing

A man who allegedly threatened on social media in May to shoot Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has been arrested, London police said on Wednesday, as concerns grow over the security of politicians after the killing of former MP Ann Widdecombe.

The Metropolitan Police said the man was arrested on Tuesday on suspicion of sending threatening communications to a member of Parliament. The arrest comes after Widdecombe, a member of the anti-immigration Reform UK, was killed on July 8, prompting the party to seek better protection for its members.

According to the Telegraph newspaper, the suspect allegedly told Farage on X: "I am going to shoot you in the head if you win." Police said the suspect was held overnight and later released on bail.

Farage recently resigned his seat in Parliament over an investigation into an undeclared gift of 5 million pounds (USD 6.7 million) from a cryptocurrency billionaire. Farage said the money was meant to pay for his personal security. He quit but is seeking re-election next month to the same seat to show he still has the support of the people. Opponents have criticised the move as a ploy to avoid a parliamentary inquiry.

Widdecombe was killed at her rural home in southwest England, a death that has shaken Britain's political establishment. She was long known for her blunt socially conservative views opposing abortion and the expansion of LGBTQ+ rights.

The investigation into her death is now being handled by counterterror police after new evidence emerged. Devon and Cornwall Police have faced criticism because they had initially said the killing was not believed to be terror-related and that there was nothing to suggest a political motive. The arrest over the threat to Farage has come as scrutiny of politicians' safety continues after Widdecombe's killing.

With PTI Inputs