The prime suspect in the murder of former Cabinet Minister Ann Widdecombe has been re-arrested on suspicion of terrorism offences after new evidence emerged, Counter Terrorism Policing South East announced. The 28-year-old White British man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was initially arrested on suspicion of murder on Saturday night at his home in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, some 270 miles from Ms Widdecombe's home in Haytor, Devon.
New Evidence Leads to Terror Investigation
Head of National Counter Terrorism Policing, Laurence Taylor, 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 enquiry to establish the motivation for this attack. Our priority is progressing this investigation quickly, with all the capabilities we have available to us.”
Under the Terrorism Act, the re-arrest on suspicion of “commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism” allows police to hold the suspect without charge for up to 14 days. Specialist counter-terror officers had already been assisting Devon and Cornwall Police's Major Crime Investigation Team since the murder investigation was launched last week.
Details of the Arrest and Investigation
Detectives have been examining CCTV footage that appears to show the suspect placing a wooden stick in the back of a filthy, moss-covered red Vauxhall Corsa on the day police believe Ms Widdecombe was killed. Neighbours described him as a loner who became increasingly reclusive after his father's death in December 2025.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood updated MPs on the case in the House of Commons, revealing that the suspect was not previously known to the government's counter-extremism programme Prevent. She stated that officers are investigating “multiple lines of enquiry” to establish the motive and that police are preparing to issue new guidance to MPs and former MPs.
Tributes and Security Concerns
Ms Mahmood paid tribute to Ms Widdecombe, saying: “Ann Widdecombe dedicated her life to politics and public service. For nearly forty years, she was a fixture of our political life. She brought conviction to our politics, grounded in her profound Catholic faith. She was forthright in her opinions, and argued courageously for the things she believed in. But, perhaps most of all, she brought an inimitable style to politics. She was forthright and fearless.”
House of Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle also paid tribute, describing her as “a formidable politician” and “a friend in many ways.” He urged MPs not to say anything that might prejudice a future trial. Sir Lindsay has previously expressed fears for MPs following the murders of Labour MP Jo Cox in 2016 and Conservative MP David Amess in 2021, noting that Ms Widdecombe was a close friend of David Amess.
Timeline of Events
Ms Widdecombe, 78, a former Tory minister and later a spokeswoman for Reform UK, was found dead in her kitchen on Thursday, July 9, 2026, having sustained serious injuries. Police believe she died around 12.30pm, just 30 minutes before she was scheduled to appear on Channel 5’s Matt Allwright show via video call. She last messaged a producer at 12.19pm but failed to respond to a text at 12.48pm.
Downing Street urged the public to respect “the integrity” of the police investigation amid intense social media speculation. The Prime Minister's official spokesman said: “The police have been very clear that this is a live murder investigation. We would echo their message that it is important the integrity of the investigation is protected and supported while officers carry out their work. We would also urge anyone with information that could assist the investigation to come forward and contact the police.”
