The uncle of the 28-year-old suspect arrested in connection with the murder of former Tory MP Ann Widdecombe has claimed his nephew was "left on his own" after his father died from cancer last year. The suspect was arrested on Saturday in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, in a counter-terror-led operation following Widdecombe's death at her home in Haytor Vale, Devon, on Thursday, July 9.
Suspect's Family Background and Arrest
The 73-year-old uncle told The Sun: "The only thing I can think of is he's been left on his own after his dad's death... He's always been a quiet, polite lad, and very shy." He added that he "just couldn't believe it" when he heard about his relative's arrest, describing him as a "gentle giant." The uncle said the first he knew of the police operation was "tape around the house."
Police believe Widdecombe was killed around 12:30pm on Wednesday, July 8. Footage shows the suspect getting into a red car outside a house in Rotherham at approximately 7:30am that same day—around five hours before the alleged killing. The drive from Rotherham to Widdecombe's home in rural Dartmoor is approximately 270 miles.
Counter-Terrorism Investigation
The suspect was initially arrested on suspicion of murder and later re-arrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation, and instigation of a terrorist act. Counter-terrorism police are now leading the case, investigating whether the suspect was motivated by left-wing extremism and had been plotting violence against other high-profile figures.
Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor told reporters: "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." He confirmed that whether the suspect was targeting other Reform UK figures will be a "line of investigation."
The Daily Mail reported that purported left-wing extremism is a "leading avenue of inquiry," while The Guardian said investigators are considering extreme left-wing or a single-issue cause as possible motivations.
Neighbors and Community Reaction
Neighbors in Rotherham described the suspect as someone who rarely went out but was friendly when encountered, even taking in parcels for them. The home has been combed by forensic teams amid growing concerns about a potential political motive.
Tributes have been mounting outside Widdecombe's remote home in Devon. Incoming Prime Minister Andy Burnham called for a "serious review" of MPs' security, stating: "It's obviously appalling what happened to Ann. I knew Ann over many years in the House... It feels as though something has changed."
Timeline and Key Details
Widdecombe was last seen alive during a morning interview on Talk TV with Mark Dolan at just after 8am on Wednesday, July 8. Police believe she was attacked about four hours later. Assistant Commissioner Taylor confirmed that whether that TV appearance might have motivated the killing is also a "line of inquiry."
The 28-year-old white British man arrested on Saturday remains in custody. Police have stressed that the murder and terror investigations are currently working "in parallel."
