Counter Terrorism Policing detectives investigating the death of veteran politician Ann Widdecombe have refused to rule out foreign state involvement as they continue to probe the motive behind what officers have described as a targeted attack.
Police said on Tuesday that it had become “clear” the 78-year-old former Conservative minister and Reform UK spokeswoman had been killed in a targeted attack, but officers did not expand on what may have motivated the killing.
Police Keep Open Mind on Foreign State Involvement
Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor, head of Counter Terrorism Policing, told reporters at a briefing at Scotland Yard that investigators were keeping an open mind when asked whether foreign state interference could be ruled out. “I don't want to rule anything out at this stage,” he said.
Mr Taylor said the investigation was taking place against a backdrop of “unprecedented demands” on counterterrorism policing and a “complex and increased threat picture”. He added that detectives were examining a number of possible lines of inquiry, including whether a television appearance might have motivated the killing and whether the suspect was targeting other Reform UK figures.
Details of the Suspect and Investigation
Widdecombe was found dead at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor, Devon, last Thursday. A 28-year-old white British man remains under arrest on suspicion of murder and on suspicion of the commission, preparation, or instigation of acts of terrorism. Mr Taylor said detectives had been granted a warrant of further detention, allowing questioning for up to seven days after the arrest under the Terrorism Act.
Counterterrorism police took charge of the case after new evidence came to light, taking over from Devon and Cornwall Police, which launched a murder investigation following Widdecombe’s death. When asked whether counterterrorism officers could reassure the public and rule out foreign state interference, Mr Taylor said: “I don't want to rule anything out at this stage, and we're retaining an open mind.”
He added: “We have a very experienced network of individuals working with security partners, and we will continue to do so, both in terms of progressing this investigation and exploring wider threats across the UK, so that we can respond to those as appropriate.”
Potential Motives Under Examination
According to a report by the Independent, Mr Taylor defended Devon and Cornwall Police after the force initially said there was nothing to suggest a political motivation for the Reform UK spokeswoman’s murder. He said investigators were still working to understand what lay behind the attack. “It is clear that this was a targeted attack,” Mr Taylor told reporters. “We are still working to understand the extent of any planning or preparation, and the motivation that sits behind that attack. I wouldn’t want to comment on what that motivation was.”
He added that officers “are aware that there has been some preparation and planning” but declined to discuss the extent of it. Mr Taylor said whether a television appearance had played a role in the killing remained “a line of inquiry”. Widdecombe spoke to Mark Dolan on TalkTV by video link shortly after 8am on Wednesday, and police believe she was attacked at around 12.30pm the same day. Her final interview, believed to have taken place around 20 minutes before her death, was with Christian radio station TWR and has not been broadcast.
On Tuesday night, The Express reported that investigators were considering whether left-wing, anarchist and single-issue terrorism could have played a role in the suspect’s alleged motivation.
Wider Threat Assessment
Mr Taylor said detectives were also examining whether the suspect had been targeting other Reform UK figures. He said: “So clearly, part of our responsibility when investigating offences of this nature is to assure ourselves and therefore the public and others of any extant 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.”
CCTV footage reported by The Telegraph appeared to show a man leaving an address linked to the suspect in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, at around 7am on Wednesday. The location is approximately 260 miles from Widdecombe’s home, with the journey taking around four-and-a-half hours by car.
Security Concerns for Politicians
Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez said she was confident the force had “provided a substantial and professional response” to the murder investigation. The case has also led to renewed debate over security arrangements for political figures. A row continued over protection for Reform UK leader Nigel Farage after Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood offered a security meeting. Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Mr Jenrick criticised the government for not offering a security meeting earlier. Mr Farage declined a state-funded security package last year.
Incoming prime minister Andy Burnham said a “serious review” was needed into MPs’ security. Speaking to reporters outside the Commons, he said politics had “darkened” in the near decade since he was last in Westminster and that protections may need to be “increased further”. The investigation remains ongoing, with detectives continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding Widdecombe’s death, the extent of any planning or preparation, and the possible motive behind the attack.
