Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has confirmed that the suspect held in connection with the death of veteran politician Ann Widdecombe was not known to the Government's anti-extremism Prevent programme. Counter-terrorism police are now leading the investigation into the former Conservative minister's death after new evidence emerged.
Miss Widdecombe, 78, a former Reform UK spokeswoman and Brexit Party MEP, was found dead at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor, Devon, at about 11.40am on Thursday. She had sustained serious injuries. A 28-year-old white British man, initially arrested on suspicion of murder on Saturday, has been rearrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism. Police may hold him for up to 14 days for questioning under terrorism legislation.
Home Secretary's Statement
Addressing the House of Commons on Monday, Ms Mahmood described Miss Widdecombe as “one of those rare politicians who was bigger than politics” and said the circumstances of her 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.”
The Home Secretary also confirmed that Nigel Farage has been offered a meeting with the head of the parliamentary security body amid concerns about Reform UK MPs' safety. She will also review security advice for former MPs and members of parties without parliamentary representation.
Counter-Terrorism Police Take Over
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.”
Footage shared with media outlets, including the Sun and Sky News, showed a man with no top on being arrested and led away from a house in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, on Saturday. Investigators will examine the suspect's devices for terrorist material and consider other factors such as mental health. In the year to March 2025, more than half of Prevent referrals had no fixed ideology.
Timeline of Events
Police believe Miss Widdecombe was attacked on Wednesday at about 12.30pm, shortly before she was due to appear on Channel 5's Matt Allwright show. ITV News later published WhatsApp images suggesting she stopped responding to a TV producer around that time. Downing Street stressed the importance of protecting the investigation's integrity.
Mr Farage faced calls for restraint after commenting on the case. Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice and board member Gawain Towler criticized Devon and Cornwall Police's initial statement that the murder was not being treated as terrorism. Mr Towler said: “In a time when trust in the police is at an all time low, this just plays into that they are trying to massage public opinion rather than do the job of investigating a brutal murder. We saw it with Henry Nowak, we saw it with Southport. By appearing to rule something out and then a few days later bringing it back in, they look manipulative and that’s a shame.” Mr Tice added it would be “wise, when considering motivation” for police to keep an open mind.
Background
Miss Widdecombe was first elected as a Conservative MP for Maidstone in 1987, later served as a Brexit Party MEP, and became a Reform UK spokeswoman. She also gained fame outside politics through appearances on Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother.
