Police investigating the alleged murder of former MP Ann Widdecombe have stated there is "nothing to suggest it was politically motivated." They confirmed they are "not looking for anyone else" in relation to her death.
Officers held a press conference at Devon and Cornwall Police headquarters in Exeter on Sunday, providing an update on the investigation. The former MP and MEP was discovered deceased in a "pool of blood" in her kitchen at her Haytor, Dartmoor residence on July 9, having sustained "serious injuries" consistent with repeated blows from a blunt instrument.
Suspect arrested in South Yorkshire
A 28-year-old man has been detained in South Yorkshire in connection with the 78-year-old's death. The suspect, a white British national who remains unnamed, is currently in police custody. On Friday, Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed a 26-year-old man, initially arrested in connection with the former Conservative prisons minister's death, had been released without charge and is no longer part of the inquiry.
Miss Widdecombe was due to appear on Channel 5's Matt Allwright show on Wednesday but didn't attend, sparking welfare concerns. Her final television appearance was on TalkTV on Wednesday, merely one day before her body was found.
Police statement on motive
Devon and Cornwall Police Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman stated at the press conference: "Shortly after 9pm on Saturday the 11th of July, a 28-year-old white British man was arrested at an address in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, on suspicion of the murder of Ms Widdecombe. We were supported by officers from Counter Terrorism Police North East and South Yorkshire Police who carried out the arrest on behalf of Devon and Cornwall."
"Ms Widdecombe's family have been informed of the updates and continue to be supported by our specialist officers. Our thoughts remain with her family and friends at this incredibly difficult time."
"At this point there is still no information to suggest that this is a terrorism related incident. And at this point, we are not looking for anyone else in connection with this murder. We retain primacy of this investigation and detectives remain open-minded about the potential motive. At this stage, there is nothing to suggest that it was politically motivated."
He added: "The cordon is still in place as officers continue enquiries at the scene and we anticipate that this will be the case for the next few days. The local community can also expect to see a heightened police presence in the coming weeks to provide reassurance to them. However, I wish to reassure you that we do not have any information to suggest that there is any wider threat to the public at this time."
Timeline of events
Miss Widdecombe's personal driver of 10 years, Peter Horrell, laid flowers outside her home on Saturday. Speaking to the press, Mr Horrell said the politician "never mentioned any fear" for her safety and loved living in Haytor. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage also made his way to the village on Saturday to pay his respects to Miss Widdecombe. He told journalists that the party has been trawling through its emails in search of any patterns of abuse directed at Miss Widdecombe, but has so far drawn a blank.
It has been reported that Reform's MPs are now being afforded round-the-clock security protection in the wake of her death.
