Reform UK deputy leader Tice accuses Times journalists of wanting another Reform politician dead

Richard Tice launches extraordinary attack on newspaper amid murder investigation into Ann Widdecombe's death

July 13, 2026

Richard Tice, the deputy leader of Reform UK, has accused journalists at The Times of wanting another party politician "dead," following the murder of former minister and Reform spokeswoman Ann Widdecombe.

Widdecombe, 78, was found dead at her home in Devon on Thursday. A 28-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder.

Police Urge Restraint on Speculation

Police have urged the public not to speculate about the possible motive for her killing. Detectives have insisted there is no evidence at present to suggest the murder was politically motivated.

The warning came after Reform leader Nigel Farage said on Saturday that he believed "this was premeditated murder." Speaking after laying a wreath near Widdecombe's home, he added: "Whether it was politically-motivated, whether it was someone with a grudge, I don't think it pays at this time to speculate."

Criticism of Farage's Comments

Former Tory MP Harvey Proctor criticised Farage's remarks in an interview with The Times, stating: "Ann Widdecombe was far too dear to her family, friends and former colleagues for her murder to be exploited as political propaganda.

"The police have expressly asked the public not to speculate about the motive. It is therefore deeply disappointing that Nigel Farage has chosen to do precisely that."

Tice's Response

Reacting to The Times story on X (formerly Twitter), Tice wrote:

"The Times Group: You are sick. Your contempt bordering on hatred of Nigel, myself & Reform means you stoop to any low to smear & discredit us. You lie, libel and make things up. How many more Reform politicians do you want dead? Shame on you."

Security Concerns for Reform MPs

Separately, Commons officials have rejected claims by Reform home affairs spokesman Zia Yusuf, who accused the government, police, and parliament of not caring about the safety of the party's MPs.

Reform UK is now paying for round-the-clock security for its senior politicians.

However, a House of Commons spokesperson responded: "All MPs are offered appropriate security measures."

The spokesperson added: "The ability of members and their staff to perform their parliamentary duties safely, both on and off the estate, is fundamental to our democracy.

"Any assessment of an individual MP's security arrangements or advice is subject to a rigorous risk-based assessment, conducted by security professionals and with input from the police and a range of professional authorities. These are naturally kept under continuous review.

"All MPs are offered appropriate security measures but we do not comment on specific cases or details of those measures so as not to compromise the safety of MPs, parliamentary staff or members of the public."

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