A man has been arrested after allegedly posting a threat on social media to shoot Reform UK leader Nigel Farage.
The Metropolitan Police said the investigation relates to a post on X that was reported to officers on 8 May, the day after this year’s local and mayoral elections.
A man in his 20s was arrested in south London on Tuesday on suspicion of sending threatening communications to a Member of Parliament. He has since been released on bail while police continue their investigation.
The arrest comes less than a week after the killing of Reform spokesperson Ann Widdecombe at her home in Devon. Her death is being investigated by Counter Terrorism Policing, which is examining the circumstances surrounding the attack.
Farage was informed about the arrest by the Parliamentary Liaison and Investigation Team on Wednesday.
Responding to the news, the Reform UK leader said: “This is the first time the police have ever proactively acted on a social media post, and I hope they are looking at the other three or four hundred similar posts from this year alone.”
Earlier on Wednesday, Reform UK’s home affairs spokesperson Zia Yusuf unveiled a proposal that would provide around the clock protection for all MPs if the party entered government.
Speaking at a press conference, Yusuf said Farage “lives his life under the ever present threat of mortal danger” and argued that anyone who questions his need for security “should stop”.