Reform MP says her children begged her to quit politics over safety fears

A Reform UK politician said her children had begged her to quit politics because they fear for her safety.

Sarah Pochin, the MP for Runcorn and Helsby, said all eight of the party's MPs now had 24-hour security.

She said security had been stepped up since the death of Ann Widdecombe, the former Tory minister who was an immigration and justice spokeswoman for Reform when she was killed at her home in July.

"I am so grateful they are looking after us, but the impact on your family life is severe," Pochin added.

She said her sons, aged 25 and 27, get upset when she visits them and the topic of security comes up.

"They're like 'mum, please stop what you're doing. Please stop, [because] it can never be worth risking your life'," she told GB News.

She said she had recently gone on holiday to north Wales with her husband and had two security guards while they were walking their dogs along a coastal path, with her partner "nervously holding my hand".

"I'm so grateful for the security, but it is very, very intrusive," Pochin said. "I can't go clothes shopping any more. I can't go make-up shopping. I can't.

"I can't even go to Sainsbury's, such is the risk to us now. But I will never be silenced."

The party's leader Nigel Farage complained earlier this year that his security had been cut back. He subsequently met with the Royal and VIP Executive Committee - the body responsible for the security of high-profile figures.

Pochin, who entered Parliament in 2025 after winning a by-election, also said Westminster was the most chauvinistic place she had ever worked.

She previously worked for Shell and as a justice of the peace, as well as being a Conservative councillor and mayor of Cheshire East.

She said: "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 was Reform's first female MP, but has since been joined by Suella Braverman - who defected from the Conservatives in January.

She said: "The only way we can overcome that [chauvinism] 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."