POLITICIANS face a “horrific” culture of violence which has become worse in recent years, Treasury Chief Secretary Lucy Rigby warned today.

She said the threats facing MPs and others in public life had increased.

The alleged murder of former Tory minister Ann Widdecombe has heightened concerns at Westminster about the security risks facing politicians.

Ms Rigby told BBC Breakfast: “There is just this increasing climate of abuse and intimidation, including via social media, and in the very worst cases extreme violence.”

Counter-terrorism police are leading the investigation into Ms Widdecombe’s death. A suspect has been arrested.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has offered Reform leader Nigel Farage a meeting with the chairman of the body responsible for security of high-profile figures.

This follows prolonged complaints from the party about the level of protection offered to him, diverting attention from the Clacton by-election fiasco he has triggered.

Reform’s Treasury spokesman Robert Jenrick said his state-funded security had been downgraded.

The i Paper reported that Mr Farage rejected a security package similar to that provided to Tory leader Kemi Badenoch as he considered it a downgrade.