Counter-terrorism police have taken over the investigation into the death of former MP and Reform UK spokesperson Ann Widdecombe, following the emergence of new information and evidence. Widdecombe, 77, was found dead with serious injuries at her home in Haytor, Devon, on Thursday morning.
New Evidence Leads to Counter-Terrorism Involvement
Initially, Devon and Cornwall police stated that counter-terrorism partners had reviewed the case and ruled out a terrorist motive. However, on Monday, Counter-Terrorism Policing South East (CTPSE) announced it was now leading the investigation. A CTPSE statement said: 'New information and evidence has come to light during what has been a dynamic and complex investigation, and as a result Counter-Terrorism Policing South East is now leading the investigation.'
Laurence Taylor, head of national 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.'
Arrests and Developments
A 28-year-old white British man from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, was arrested on suspicion of murder on Saturday. He has since been rearrested on suspicion of commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism. Earlier, a 26-year-old man from Newton Abbott, Devon, was arrested on Friday but later released and deemed no longer connected to the investigation.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said she would update MPs in the House of Commons on Monday afternoon. She stated: 'Following new information and evidence, they are now leading on the investigation into the horrific murder of Ann Widdecombe. The police are pursuing multiple lines of inquiry to establish the motivation for this attack.'
Background on Ann Widdecombe
Widdecombe served as a Conservative MP for Maidstone and the Weald from 1987 to 2010. She later joined the Brexit Party and served as an MEP for South West England from 2019 to 2020, and was a spokesperson for Reform UK. She was also known for media appearances on shows such as Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother.
Initially, police reassured the public that the murder did not appear politically motivated. Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman said: 'At this point there is still no information to suggest that this is a terrorism-related incident.' However, the intervention of Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who visited the scene and described the death as 'premeditated murder,' prompted calls for restraint from politicians across the spectrum.
Political Reactions
One Labour minister said public statements 'rarely help the police during an investigation,' while former Conservative justice secretary David Gauke remarked that people in public life 'should know better than to speculate publicly.' The investigation continues as counter-terrorism police pursue multiple lines of inquiry.
