Police are continuing to question the suspect held on suspicion of murdering veteran politician Ann Widdecombe, as the Home Secretary confirmed the man had no prior connection to the anti-terrorism Prevent programme. Counter-terrorism officers are now heading the investigation into the former Conservative minister's death following the emergence of new evidence.
Discovery of the Body
Miss Widdecombe, 78, who was latterly a Reform UK spokeswoman and Brexit Party MEP, was discovered dead at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor, Devon. Her body was found at approximately 11.40am on Thursday at her secluded bungalow, having sustained serious injuries.
A 28-year-old white British man, initially arrested on suspicion of her murder on Saturday, has since been rearrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism. Under terrorism legislation, officers could potentially detain him for up to 14 days for questioning if required.
Home Secretary's Statement
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood addressed the House of Commons on Monday, confirming the suspect had no prior connection to the Government's anti-extremism scheme Prevent. She described Miss Widdecombe as "one of those rare politicians who was bigger than politics", adding that the circumstances surrounding the former Maidstone MP's death were "extremely distressing".
She added: "She was a unique figure in our politics, a distinctive and devoted public servant, the likes of whom we will rarely, if ever, see again. Ann had a profound faith. Her journey in this life has ended too soon."
Security Concerns for Politicians
Nigel Farage has been offered a meeting with the head of a parliamentary body responsible for politicians' security amid the party's concerns about the safety of Reform UK MPs, Ms Mahmood confirmed. She will also examine security guidance for former members of parliament and members of parties that do not have MPs.
Earlier, it was announced that counter-terrorism police had taken over the investigation from the Devon and Cornwall force. Laurence Taylor, head of UK 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. Our priority is progressing this investigation quickly, with all the capabilities we have available to us. If anyone has any information, please share it with the police. We would like to thank local communities, the wider public and the media for their ongoing support and patience, and would ask them to continue to support us in the next stage of the investigation."
Timeline of the Attack
Police believe Miss Widdecombe was attacked on Wednesday at approximately 12.30pm, shortly before she was scheduled to appear on Channel 5's Matt Allwright show. ITV News subsequently published a series of WhatsApp images that appear to demonstrate Miss Widdecombe ceased responding to messages from a TV producer around the time police believe the attack occurred that day.
Political Career and Public Life
Miss Widdecombe first entered Parliament as a Conservative MP representing a Kent constituency in 1987, before subsequently serving as an MEP for the Brexit Party and later taking on a spokeswoman role for Reform UK. She also gained considerable public recognition beyond her political career, having appeared on both Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother.
