A memorial to Ann Widdecombe must be placed in the House of Commons as a tribute to the former MP following her killing, Sir Keir Starmer has said.

He spoke to MPs from all parties and drew to mind the shields displayed in the House to act as memorials to the murdered MPs Jo Cox and Sir David Amess.

The outgoing Prime Minister said: "I must start by saying I am truly horrified by the murder of Ann Widdecombe."

The former Conservative Party minister and MP was found dead in her home in Dartmoor last week, sparking a manhunt for her killer.

A 28-year-old man has since been arrested on terrorism charges, and an investigation is ongoing.

Sir Keir said that it was "chilling" that for the duration of his time in Parliament "three serving or former MPs have been murdered".

He added: "I look across at the shield for our dear friend Jo Cox, and the shield for Sir David Amess that sits behind me."

Sir Keir then called on the House authorities to install a shield for Miss Widdecombe saying it was his "personal view" adding: "I do think it would be fitting for the House to consider a similar tribute to Ann."

Opening his last Prime Minister's Questions, the outgoing occupant of No 10 said "we must do more to defend our democracy" in the wake of the murder of Miss Widdecombe.

Speaking just after Sir Keir had made his tribute, Kemi Badenoch to Miss Widdecombe, the Tory boss said: "A lot has been said about how she died. I want to focus on celebrating the life she lived."

She added that Miss Widdecombe "was a woman of high principle, profound beliefs with a wicked sense of humour, a wonderful combination of being a serious person who did not take herself too seriously".