Police continue to question the suspect held on suspicion of murdering veteran politician Ann Widdecombe, as the Home Secretary confirmed the man was not known to the anti-terrorism Prevent programme. Counter-terrorism police are now leading the investigation into the former Conservative minister’s death after new evidence emerged.
Discovery of Body and Arrest
Miss Widdecombe, 78, latterly a Reform UK spokeswoman and Brexit Party MEP, was found dead at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor, Devon, at about 11.40am on Thursday. She had sustained serious injuries. A 28-year-old white British man arrested on suspicion of murder on Saturday has since been rearrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism. Police could hold him for up to 14 days for questioning under terrorism legislation if needed.
Home Secretary’s Statement
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood told the House of Commons on Monday the suspect was not known to the Prevent scheme. She described Miss Widdecombe as “one of those rare politicians who was bigger than politics” and said the circumstances of her death were “extremely distressing”. “She was a unique figure in our politics, a distinctive and devoted public servant, the likes of whom we will rarely, if ever, see again,” Mahmood added. “Ann had a profound faith. Her journey in this life has ended too soon.”
Security Concerns for Politicians
Nigel Farage has been offered a meeting with the head of a parliamentary body responsible for politicians’ security amid Reform UK’s concerns about safety. Mahmood will also review security advice for former MPs and members of parties without MPs.
Counter-Terrorism Police Take Over
Laurence Taylor, head of UK counter-terrorism policing, said: “Building on the progress made by our colleagues in Devon and Cornwall Police, we now have new information and evidence that means Counter Terrorism Policing is now leading the investigation. We are pursuing multiple lines of inquiry to establish the motivation for this attack.” He urged anyone with information to share it with police.
Investigation Details
Footage showed a man with no top on being arrested and led away from a house in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, on Saturday. The house on Byrley Road remains cordoned off. Investigators will examine the suspect’s devices for terrorist material and consider mental health issues. More than half of Prevent referrals in the year to March 2025 were for no fixed ideology. Police believe Miss Widdecombe was attacked on Wednesday at about 12.30pm, shortly before she was due on Channel 5’s Matt Allwright show. ITV News published WhatsApp images showing she stopped responding to a TV producer after the approximate attack time.
Reactions and Calls for Restraint
Downing Street stressed the importance of protecting the investigation’s integrity. Mr Farage faced calls for restraint after commenting on the case. Reform UK’s deputy leader Richard Tice and board member Gawain Towler criticised Devon and Cornwall Police for initially ruling out terrorism. Towler said: “In a time when trust in the police is at an all time low, this just plays into that they are trying to massage public opinion rather than do the job of investigating a brutal murder.” Tice said it would be wise for police to keep an open mind about motivation.
Background on Ann Widdecombe
Miss Widdecombe was first elected a Conservative MP in Kent in 1987, later becoming an MEP for the Brexit Party and a spokeswoman for Reform UK. She also gained fame outside politics after starring in Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother.
