Former Conservative minister and Reform UK spokeswoman Ann Widdecombe, 78, was killed in a "targeted attack" at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor, counter-terrorism police confirmed. Officers discovered her body at about 11:40am on Thursday after she sustained serious injuries, believed to have occurred around 12:30pm on Wednesday.
Timeline of Events
At midday on Wednesday, Widdecombe spoke to Christian radio station TWR for a 10-minute pre-recorded Zoom interview. Earlier that morning, she appeared on TalkTV and was scheduled to appear on Channel 5 in the afternoon, but she stopped replying to messages and failed to show. Police were called the next morning and found her dead.
Police Investigation
Counter Terrorism Policing is now leading the investigation after new evidence emerged. Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor stated: "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." A 28-year-old white British man remains under arrest on suspicion of commission, preparation, or instigation of acts of terrorism and murder. Officers have obtained a warrant of further detention, allowing them to hold the suspect for up to seven days under the Terrorism Act.
Ongoing Inquiries
Taylor added: "There are multiple lines of inquiry that we are pursuing expeditiously, and that includes a number of digital forensic examinations. It is important to remember that this is a murder investigation following a brutal attack on a 78-year-old lady in her home."
Widdecombe's Career
Widdecombe was first elected as a Conservative MP in Kent in 1987. She later served as an MEP for the Brexit Party and as a spokeswoman for Reform UK. Beyond politics, she gained fame appearing on Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother.
