Ann Widdecombe's former colleague has slammed the initial police response to her murder as 'disrespectful', accusing Devon and Cornwall Police of failing the family and repeating mistakes made in the Southport attack. Broadcaster Carole Malone, who worked alongside the Reform UK spokesperson at the Daily Express, voiced her anger in the latest episode of the Daily Expresso podcast.
Confusion Over Terror Link
Ms Widdecombe, 78, was found dead at her home in Haynor, Devon, on Thursday. A 28-year-old white British man arrested in Yorkshire on Saturday remains in custody on suspicion of murder and terrorism offences. Initially, Devon and Cornwall Police stated there was 'nothing to suggest' the killing was politically motivated or linked to terrorism, but later clarified it was a 'targeted attack'.
Malone told host JJ Anisiobi: 'I expected Devon and Cornwall Police to behave, but certainly not the way they have behaved. I think they've been disrespectful to her family. It's like they've learned nothing from the lessons of Southport.'
Southport Comparison
The reference to Southport relates to criticism of police after the killing of three girls at a summer holiday dance class, where the UK's independent reviewer of terrorism legislation described the quality and quantity of information released as 'inadequate'. Malone added: 'When I first heard she'd died, I just assumed she'd had a heart attack. Which was sad enough. And then we hear not too long after that it was an [alleged] murder. I don't know what I expected.'
Counter-Terrorism Investigation
Laurence Taylor, head of UK counter-terrorism policing, confirmed on Tuesday: 'It is clear that this was a targeted attack. We are still working to understand the extent of any planning or preparation, and the motivation that sits behind that attack.' Pressed on whether police were probing if the suspect was targeting other Reform UK figures, he said: 'Clearly, part of our responsibility when investigating offences of this nature is to assure ourselves and therefore the public and others of any extent of threat. That will form a line of investigation to ensure that we are putting all appropriate measures in place to mitigate any threat, should it become apparent. I'm not saying there is or there isn't at this stage.'
Police Defence
Alison Hernandez, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon and Cornwall, defended the force's initial response, stating: 'It is not unusual that in a fast-paced investigation, more information comes to light that changes the nature or the character of what the police are dealing with.' The 28-year-old suspect is being held on suspicion of murder and the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.
