The Spectator

Is Ann Widdecombe’s murder being politicised? | Coffee House

he murder of Ann Widdecombe has sent shockwaves through Westminster and reignited the debate over politicians’ security. But with questions still unanswered about the motive for the attack, Reform’s response has already become politically charged. Is Nigel Farage right to argue that threats against him and his party have not been taken seriously – or is he ‘weaponising’ Widdecombe’s death for political advantage? Meanwhile, Andy Burnham is preparing to enter Downing Street, but Westminster is still struggling to work out what kind of prime minister he will be. Labour MPs are cautiously optimistic, yet many remain unconvinced that Burnham has the tactical judgement needed when the pressure mounts. With 322 MPs having backed him, his first challenge may be managing the expectations of the hundreds who will miss out on government jobs. Can he turn goodwill into authority – or will his opponents define him before he has a chance to define himself? Plus: Nigel Farage remains under pressure over his finances: is this his ‘Mandelson’ scandal? // SUBSCRIBE TO THE SPECTATOR Get 12 issues for £12, plus a free £20 John Lewis/Waitrose voucher https://www.spectator.co.uk/tvoffer // FREE PODCASTS FROM THE SPECTATOR Hear more from The Spectator's journalists on their podcasts, covering everything from the politics of the UK, US and China, to religion, literature, lifestyle and more. https://www.spectator.co.uk/podcasts/ // FOLLOW US https://www.twitter.com/spectator https://www.facebook.com/OfficialSpectator https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-spectator https://www.instagram.com/spectator1828 https://www.tiktok.com/@thespectatormagazine