Counter-terrorism police are investigating whether the alleged killer of Ann Widdecombe was planning to attack other Reform UK politicians. Detectives revealed that the former Tory minister, 78, was “targeted” by the suspect, and investigators are now examining whether the 28-year-old man was also plotting to strike at figures like Nigel Farage.
No Contact from Authorities
The Daily Express can reveal that counter-terrorism police and MI5 have not contacted Reform UK about the potential threat since Widdecombe’s death on Wednesday. Party officials sent an email to detectives but were told “they are not required to share any information with us,” it is understood. Reform has recorded 1,577 threats against Farage since February, including 597 death threats; in June alone, Farage received 529 threats.
Targeted Attack Confirmed
Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor admitted officers are probing whether the suspect plotted to attack other Reform politicians. He told the Daily Express: “Clearly, part of our responsibility when investigating offences of this nature is to assure ourselves and therefore the public and others of any extent 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.” He added: “It is clear that this was a targeted attack.”
Taylor noted that police are working to understand the planning and motivation behind the attack. “We are aware that there has been some preparation and planning. I don't want to go into the details of the extent of that at this stage,” he said.
Arrest and Key Inquiries
A suspect was arrested on Saturday evening in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, nearly 300 miles from Widdecombe’s Devon home where she was found dead on Thursday. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the suspect “was not known” to the Prevent programme. Counter-terrorism police also believe Widdecombe’s appearance on TalkTV at 8am on the day of the murder is a key line of inquiry. Taylor confirmed: “We're exploring all lines of inquiry, and that is one of the lines of inquiry that we'll be exploring.”
Concerns for MP Safety
Renowned broadcaster Dame Prue Leith admitted worrying about her son, Reform UK MP Danny Kruger’s safety. She said: “I haven't even rung him up about it because I don't want him having to add to the worry the fact that his mother is worrying. Honestly, I think the government will do everything it can to protect MPs and there are dangers in every walk of life and this is one that MPs have to have in the back of their minds. But I think it is scary. It seems so amazing that this should be happening in the UK, which I've always thought of as the most civilized country about politics.”
Farage has accepted a meeting with the Home Office to discuss his security following the attack.
Police Communication Under Fire
Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez hit back at criticism after officers initially insisted Widdecombe’s death had no link to terrorism. She said: “There's been some commentary about the way Devon and Cornwall police have communicated during the early stages of this case. But, as the Home Secretary said yesterday, it is not unusual that in a fast-paced investigation, more information comes to light that changes the nature or the character of what the police are dealing with.”
Boris Johnson Pays Tribute
Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson described Widdecombe as an “extraordinary politician” and called the circumstances of her death “appalling and unforgivable.” He said: “I’m very very sorry and shocked about the murder or what seems to be the murder of Ann who was a dear colleague, I knew her for many, many years. She was a totally redoubtable person, an extraordinary politician and a very, very hard act to follow.” On security for politicians, Johnson said: “I heard what the Home Secretary had to say and that seemed sensible to me.” He urged letting police do their jobs.
