Polanski Instagram Post Sparks Police Inquiry Over Alleged Incitement of Murder

The image was posted weeks after the murder of former Conservative MP Ann Widdecombe and was quickly reported to the Metropolitan Police by Reform UK.

The Guardian

Reform UK’s home-affairs spokesperson Zia Yusuf characterised the post as “inciting murder” and urged police action. The Metropolitan Police confirmed that they were “conducting inquiries” into the matter, describing the report as “extremely serious.” The Green Party later removed the image and issued a statement that the T-shirt was “clearly in poor taste,” condemning political violence.

The Guardian

The controversy is tied to Nigel Farage, who resigned his seat as MP for Clacton on July 8, 2026 and is now campaigning in a byelection he triggered. A recent voter-intention poll showed Labour overtaking Reform UK for the first time in over a year, with Reform falling to 24 % amid negative headlines about undeclared gifts, a convicted fraudster adviser, and the ongoing byelection drama. Farage’s prominence makes any perceived threat against him a flashpoint in an already charged political environment.

The Guardian

• Zia Yusuf (Reform UK): Accused Polanski of “inciting murder” and highlighted the timing of the post after Widdecombe’s killing.

The Guardian

• Metropolitan Police: Stated, “We take reports of this nature extremely seriously, and officers are conducting inquiries into the matter.” “We take reports of this nature extremely seriously, and officers are conducting inquiries into the matter.” — Zia Yusuf

The Guardian

• Pat McFadden, work and pensions secretary: Noted that all politicians have adding that “it’s not the first time Zack Polanski has done something like this.” “It’s not the first time Zack Polanski has done something like this,” — Pat McFadden

The Guardian

• Andy Burnham, prime minister: Earlier this week said, “I’m serious about fixing this issue and to do that, we have to find common ground and listen to others.” “I’m serious about fixing this issue and to do that, we have to find common ground and listen to others,” — Andy Burnham

The London Economic

• “If Nigel Farage wants to apologise for all the times that he’s put other people in danger than I’ll be happy to make an apology.” — Zack Polanski, green party spokesperson

The Guardian

• “It’s not the first time Zack Polanski has done something like this,” — Pat McFadden

The Guardian

• “We take reports of this nature extremely seriously, and officers are conducting inquiries into the matter.” — Zia Yusuf

The Guardian

• “I’m serious about fixing this issue and to do that, we have to find common ground and listen to others,” — Andy Burnham

The London Economic

The Metropolitan Police have confirmed an active inquiry, while a BBC report noted that Polanski had not yet been contacted by police. No further details on the scope of the investigation have been released, leaving the potential legal outcome uncertain.

The Guardian

Police inquiries remain ongoing, and Reform UK has formally reported the incident. The Green Party faces internal pressure to tighten social-media oversight, and the episode is likely to influence public discourse ahead of the Clacton byelection, where Farage seeks to return to Parliament.

The Guardian