In the detail: Laura Kuenssberg, the BBC political editor, at the Labour Party conference yesterday with the corporation’s security consultant, an ex-soldier and bodyguard. Her protection has been increased after threats by online trolls

The BBC’s political editor Laura Kuenssberg has been assigned security guards at Labour’s annual conference after threats from online trolls.

The first woman to head the corporation’s political coverage has been the target of abuse and aggression online and while covering Labour events.

According to reports, Ms Kuenssberg, 40, will be followed by a personal protection detail while moving inside and outside the fenced secure zone at the four-day party conference in Brighton that started yesterday.

It follows a similar arrangement during the general election campaign after supporters of Jeremy Corbyn began to boo her at events.

Yesterday Ms Kuenssberg was pictured with a man whom The Times has established as a former British soldier who describes himself as a security adviser with expertise in