Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has confirmed that the suspect being held on suspicion of murdering veteran politician Ann Widdecombe was not known to the Government's anti-terrorism Prevent programme. The statement came during a House of Commons address on Monday, as counter-terrorism police take over the investigation following new evidence.
Background of the Case
Miss Widdecombe, 78, a former Conservative minister and later a Reform UK spokeswoman and Brexit Party MEP, was found dead at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor, Devon, on Thursday at approximately 11:40am. She had sustained serious injuries. A 28-year-old white British man was arrested on suspicion of murder on Saturday and has since 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 if necessary.
Home Secretary's Remarks
Ms Mahmood described Miss Widdecombe as “one of those rare politicians who was bigger than politics” and noted the “extremely distressing” circumstances of her death. “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,” Ms Mahmood said. “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 Reform UK’s concerns about the safety of its MPs. Ms Mahmood also stated she will review security advice for former MPs and members of parties without parliamentary representation.
Counter-Terrorism Investigation
Laurence Taylor, head of UK counter-terrorism policing, announced the takeover from Devon and Cornwall Police, stating: “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.” He urged anyone with information to come forward.
Evidence and Timeline
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 indicating she stopped responding to a TV producer around that time. Footage shared with media outlets, including the Sun and Sky News, shows a man being arrested and led away from a house in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, on Saturday. The house on Byrley Road remains cordoned off.
Criticism of Police Handling
Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice and board member Gawain Towler criticised Devon and Cornwall Police for initially stating the murder was not being treated as terrorism. 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.” Tice urged police to keep an open mind about motivation.
Miss Widdecombe's Legacy
First elected as a Conservative MP in Kent in 1987, Miss Widdecombe later served as an MEP for the Brexit Party and a spokeswoman for Reform UK. She also gained fame outside politics through appearances on Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother.
