The party’s deputy leader says its MPs are being targeted by ‘fixated individuals’ claiming to be journalists
Robert Jenrick is the Reform UK Member of Parliament for Newark, in Nottinghamshire(Image: Thomas Krych/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Reform UK say Robert Jenrick is being “relentlessly” approached amid an ongoing row over the safety of politicians following the death of Ann Widdecombe.
The Newark MP is one of several Reform politicians who have been repeatedly confronted by “fixated individuals” claiming to be journalists, according to deputy leader Richard Tice.
A debate on the safety of politicians has unfolded since Ms Widdecombe – latterly a spokesperson for the party – was found with serious injuries at her Devon home on Thursday (July 9).
It was later confirmed by Devon and Cornwall Police that a 28-year-old man had been arrested in Rotherham on suspicion of her murder.
The man was re-arrested on Monday (July 13) on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.
In a discussion on the safety of politicians with Mr Tice on the Daily Telegraph’s Daily T podcast, host Camilla Tominey spoke of an unnamed individual who has “persistently pursued” Mr Jenrick.
This is believed to refer to Jack Roworth, who describes himself as an ‘independent journalist’ and lives in Mr Jenrick’s Newark constituency.
“We’ve got this situation emerging where people think they’re journalists – I know that Mr Jenrick has been persistently pursued by an individual claiming to be a journalist,” Ms Tominey said.
“You can’t harass somebody, you can’t turn up at their every occasion. If they say, ‘excuse me, back off,’ it doesn’t matter if you’re a politician or a celebrity or anyone. You just can’t do that.”
Mr Tice replies: “That same individual rocked up just before a breakfast roundtable event I had and doorstepped me on my way into this event last Thursday morning.”
Jack Roworth describes himself as an ‘independent journalist’ and lives in Mr Jenrick’s Newark constituency(Image: Jack Roworth/Submitted)
Mr Roworth, who has more than 40,000 followers on Instagram, has filmed himself approaching Mr Jenrick and asking him questions on several occasions.
When approached by the online content creator in Newark on Friday (July 10), the MP said: “Jack, somebody may have been murdered, and I really don’t think it’s appropriate to be coming up to members of Parliament, meeting them everywhere they go. It’s just not right at the moment, choose another day for it, Jack.”
Mr Roworth had already waited for Mr Jenrick outside the LBC studios in London the day before, when the MP had presented a show on the radio station.
Whilst neither Mr Jenrick or Mr Tice commented directly when approached by the Nottingham Post, a Reform spokesperson said: “After the truly awful murder of Ann Widdecombe, we should be lowering the temperature, not relentlessly doorstepping politicians.
“We are a free country with a free press, but everyone should do their utmost to respect politicians’ safety.”
Approaching politicians and questioning them on a subject without prior arrangement – often referred to as doorstepping – is not illegal.
But journalists must not “persist in questioning, telephoning, pursuing or photographing individuals once asked to desist,” under the code of practice as set out by IPSO.
This is the body which regulates the majority of digital news outlets in the UK – such as the Nottingham Post – and it can fine publishers and impose other penalties if these rules are breached. Broadcast media generally falls under the regulation of Ofcom.
If journalists working for media organisations are found to have persistently questioned and pursued individuals, IPSO will consider this as harassment, under clause 3 of the Editor’s Code.
As an independent journalist, Mr Roworth is not regulated in this way.
When approached by the Nottingham Post for comment, Mr Roworth said: “I believe the comments made by Richard Tice and Camilla Tominey about independent journalism are deeply upsetting to hear.
Flowers outside the house of Ann Widdecombe in Haytor on July 11(Image: Finnbarr Webster/Getty Images)
“For me, journalism is far more than a hobby. It is something I have dedicated a significant part of my life to, and something I care about deeply.
“Journalism is not a protected title. Anyone has the right to ask questions, particularly of their elected representatives.
“Robert Jenrick has been my Member of Parliament for the past twelve years, and like every other constituent, I have every right to ask him questions and to scrutinise him on matters of public interest.
“I intend to contact Camilla privately, and if necessary publicly, to ask whether she would be willing to have a conversation with me about her own career, how she entered journalism, and why I believe an apology would be appropriate.
“Finally, if I have upset Richard Tice or Robert Jenrick by asking legitimate questions, then I will say this. I am someone who is always willing to have respectful conversations.
“My door is open, and I remain willing to conduct a fair, professional interview at a mutually convenient time.”
It comes after Reform agreed to provide its MPs – including Mr Jenrick and Ashfield’s Lee Anderson – with round-the-clock security following Ms Widdecombe’s death.
Ann Widdecombe, who was 78, was first elected as a Conservative MP in Kent in 1987 and went on to serve as an MEP for the Brexit Party.