Counter-terrorism officers have taken over the investigation into the murder of former Tory minister and Reform UK spokesman Ann Widdecombe, after discovering Russian communist literature and other political ideology at the home of the 28-year-old suspect. The killing is now being treated as a suspected politically motivated terrorist attack.
Discovery prompts U-turn in investigation
The discovery at the suspect's address in Rotherham prompted the shift, marking a U-turn after Devon and Cornwall Police had spent days insisting there was no terror link. Officers are now probing whether the 78-year-old was bludgeoned to death in a premeditated attack linked to her political views. They fear a self-radicalised loner regarded Ms Widdecombe as an “easy target” compared with more prominent figures such as Nigel Farage, who, as a sitting MP, receives security protection.
Reform UK accused Devon and Cornwall Police of misleading the public in the initial stages. Senior officers are under pressure to explain why they so publicly ruled out terrorism or a political motive.
Timeline of events
When Ms Widdecombe’s bloodied body was found on Thursday morning at her £600,000 home in Haytor, Dartmoor, detectives first pursued a theory that she had disturbed a burglar, even though nothing was stolen. Two days later, they arrested a local labourer in error before detaining the Rotherham man on Saturday night.
According to the Mail, items of varying political ideology, including Russian communist material, were found at the suspect’s home and on his electronic devices. Investigators do not believe there is evidence of hostile state involvement. The unnamed British white suspect was not known to the Government’s Prevent deradicalisation programme. Police are inquiring into his mental health.
Possible motive and suspect background
Counter-terrorism officers are investigating whether the “lone wolf” targeted Ms Widdecombe because of her frequently expressed views on television and radio defending Reform UK’s positions on immigration and justice. The former prisons minister and Strictly Come Dancing contestant was well known for her staunch opposition to abortion and gay rights.
The unmarried former MP, who had lived alone since retiring in 2010, was last seen on a Talk TV show around 8am on Wednesday. She had been scheduled to appear on Channel 5 that afternoon, but suddenly stopped responding to WhatsApp messages. Police believe the attack occurred around 12.30pm, nearly 24 hours before her body was found.
Police under fire for initial denial
Devon and Cornwall Police waited more than 24 hours to announce a murder investigation. Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman said on Friday night: “The incident is not being treated as terrorism.” When asked about a political motive, he replied that there was no information to suggest one. He repeated the denial even after the arrest.
Yesterday, the probe was transferred to Counterterrorism Policing South East, which re-arrested the suspect on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism. CCTV footage had shown a figure leaving the Rotherham property early on Wednesday, apparently carrying a wooden stick or pole in his shorts.
Reform UK board member Gawain Towler criticised the force: “In the past, they’d have said all avenues of investigation are open, but this time they tried to close out avenues… this just plays into [low] trust in the police.”
The killing has reignited fears about the safety of MPs following the murders of David Amess and Jo Cox. The suspect remains in custody.
