Reform UK MP Sarah Pochin has disclosed that all members of her party in Parliament are now under 24-hour security surveillance. This heightened security measure was implemented following the killing of former Conservative minister Ann Widdecombe, who had served as an immigration and justice spokeswoman for Reform UK before her death in July. Pochin stated that the security for the eight Reform MPs has been intensified since Widdecombe was murdered at her home.
Pochin shared that the increased security, while appreciated, has had a severe impact on her family life. "I have two boys, 25 and 27, and of course, although they've got their own lives now, when I go and see them, security comes, and it upsets them so much," she told GB News. Her children have reportedly pleaded with her to leave politics, expressing fears for her safety.
She recounted a recent holiday in North Wales where she was accompanied by two security guards during a walk with her husband, describing the situation as intrusive. "I'm so grateful for the security, but it is very, very intrusive. I can't go clothes shopping anymore. I can't go make-up shopping. I can't. I can't really even go to Sainsbury's; such is the risk to us now," Pochin said, adding, "But I will never be silenced."
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage had previously voiced concerns about his own security being scaled back earlier this year. He subsequently met with the Royal and VIP Executive Committee, the body responsible for the security of high-profile individuals.
Pochin, who entered Parliament in 2025 after securing a by-election victory, also described Westminster as the most chauvinistic environment she has encountered in her career. She stated, "I have never, ever come across chauvinism like I have in Westminster. It has taken me by such surprise. I have had men drop doors in my face." Pochin, who previously worked for Shell and as a justice of the peace, also served as a Conservative councillor and mayor of Cheshire East.
She was Reform UK's first female Member of Parliament. Former Conservative minister Suella Braverman joined the party in January. Pochin urged other women to join her and Braverman in Parliament, asserting that "the only way we can overcome that is to have strong female voices. And I would say to women, join me. Join me, Suella, and all the women in Parliament. Because the only way we will stop this is to be strong and be a presence there."
Reform UK announced on the day of the report that it had received a record £72 million in donations from cryptocurrency billionaires within the preceding 24 hours.