Man arrested in London over threat to shoot Reform UK leader Farage on social media
London police have arrested a man who threatened to shoot Reform UK party leader Nigel Farage on social media.
The man was arrested on Tuesday on suspicion of sending threatening communications to a member of parliament, the Metropolitan Police said. The threat, allegedly made on X in May, stated, “I am going to shoot you in the head if you win,” according to the Telegraph newspaper. The suspect was held overnight and released on bail.
The arrest comes amid growing concerns over the security of British politicians following the killing of Ann Widdecombe, a former member of Parliament and member of Farage’s party, on July 8. Widdecombe was found dead at her rural home in southwest England. The investigation into her death is being handled by counterterror police after new evidence was discovered.
Farage recently resigned his seat in Parliament over an investigation into an undeclared £5 million (US$6.7 million) gift he received from a cryptocurrency billionaire. Farage said the money was intended to pay for his personal security. He has announced his intention to seek re-election next month to the same seat, a move critics describe as an attempt to dodge a parliamentary probe.
Farage has been vocal about the need for better protection for politicians, citing numerous threats he has received. “This is the first time that the police have taken action on a social media post, and I hope they will look at the other three or four hundred similar posts from this year alone,” Farage told the Telegraph.
The arrest of the suspect follows criticism of the police's handling of threats against politicians. In 2025, a 26-year-old was arrested for making threats against Farage.
Farage's financial controversies have also been in the spotlight. He is accused of accepting benefits and funds from two cryptocurrency entrepreneurs, including a convicted fraudster, without declaring them to Parliament. The Bank of England governor has stated that he would have postponed a meeting with Farage had the £5 million gift been under investigation.
Public opinion on Farage's actions is divided. A recent poll conducted for POLITICO shows that a majority of Brits view Farage's decision to resign and run again as a pointless waste of time and money. The poll also found that respondents rated a satirical candidate known as Count Binface as more trustworthy and likeable than Farage.
The killing of Widdecombe has shaken the British political establishment. She was known for her socially conservative views opposing abortion and the expansion of LGBTQ+ rights. The investigation into her death is ongoing, with counterterror police now leading the case after initially being criticized for not considering it a terror-related crime.
Farage's party, Reform UK, has called for better protection for its members in the wake of Widdecombe's killing. Other political parties have warned against using the tragedy for political purposes.
The suspect was released on bail as the investigation continues.
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