Nigel Farage has been staunchly defended by Reform UK Deputy Leader Richard Tice, following his decision not to hold surgeries with his constituents.
The party's leader and Clacton MP has admitted fears of a potential knife attack after being targeted twice during his short election campaign this summer.
Farage told LBC that he is "not allowing people to 'flow through the door with their knives in their pockets", and claimed he has been advised against holding face-to-face surgeries.
He explained: "They did in Southend, they murdered David Amess and he was a far less controversial figure than me."
Richard Tice defended Farage's decision to not hold in-person surgeries with his constituents
PA / GB News
Speaking to GB News about the remarks, Tice offered his support for Farage and claimed it is "up to the individual MP to make their own judgment about their personal safety".
Tice said of Farage's decision: "Sadly, we saw just within the first ten days of Nigel's campaigning in the General Election, two attacks on him.
"That has to be taken very, very seriously, and that's why Nigel is making those important decisions."
Noting Farage's impact on the political stage and his large social media following, Tice stressed that the Reform UK leader is at risk due to his "high visibility".
The Reform UK leader told LBC that he is not allowing people to 'flow through the door with their knives in their pockets'
PA
Tice told GB News: "No one's got more visibility, frankly, than Nigel on social media. His presence, as well as mine - I'm getting millions of views on my social media, and the other three MPs likewise.
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"We're out there, we're making a noise. Frankly, we are the real opposition. The Tories have vacated the premises and are hardly ever in the House of Commons.
"I've spoken 16 times, I've challenged the zealot in chief Ed Miliband, I've challenged the Home Secretary, I've challenged the Health secretary on the failings of the NHS - so look, we're holding them to account."
In criticism of Nigel Farage, former Tory MP Miriam Cates argued that it is a "pillar of democracy" for Britons to be able to meet with their local MP and voice their concerns.
Tice hit back: "Isn't it the time to worry when people are not criticising Nigel as opposed to when they are criticising him? The truth is that we're all talking to our constituents.
Richard Tice
GB News
"I get hundreds of emails every day, every week, and we're responding to those. I know Nigel's team is doing likewise, where we can help constituents with issues and with challenges.
"So look, we try and help where we can, but we can't do everything."
Addressing Farage's concerns, a House of Commons spokesperson said: "The ability for MPs to perform their parliamentary duties safely, both on and off the estate, is fundamental to our democracy.
"The Parliamentary Security Department (PSD), working closely with the police, offer all MPs a range of security measures for those with offices or surgeries in their constituencies - helping to ensure a safe working environment.
"We do not comment on individual MPs' security arrangements or advice because we would not wish to compromise the safety of MPs, parliamentary staff or members of the public, but these are kept under continuous review."
