Counter-terrorism police are investigating whether the suspect in Ann Widdecombe's murder was motivated by left-wing extremism and may have been planning further attacks on other high-profile figures. The 78-year-old former MP and MEP was found dead at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor, Devon, on Thursday.
Targeted Attack Confirmed
Detectives have confirmed that Miss Widdecombe's death was a "targeted attack." Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor stated that whether the suspect was targeting other Reform UK figures will be a "line of investigation." The police are also probing whether left-wing extremism or other political motives were behind the killing.
A 28-year-old white British man arrested in South Yorkshire on Saturday remains in custody. He is being held on suspicion of commission, preparation, or instigation of acts of terrorism, as well as on suspicion of murder.
Counter-Terrorism Takes Over
Counter-terrorism police have taken charge of the case after new evidence emerged. However, Assistant Commissioner Taylor stressed that the murder and terror investigations are currently working "in parallel." He told reporters on Tuesday that the question of whether a TV appearance might have motivated her killing is also a "line of inquiry."
Miss Widdecombe spoke to Mark Dolan by video-link on Talk TV just after 8am on Wednesday, and police believe she was attacked at about 12.30pm the same day. "It is clear that this was a targeted attack," Mr Taylor said. "We are still working to understand the extent of any planning or preparation, and the motivation that sits behind that attack."
Threat to Other Figures
Asked if police were probing whether the suspect was targeting other Reform UK figures, Mr Taylor 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 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. I'm not saying there is or there isn't at this stage."
Calls for Security Review
Incoming Prime Minister Andy Burnham said after the update that a "serious review" was needed into MPs' security. He said: "It's obviously appalling what happened to Ann. I knew Ann over many years in the House, and you know, we would get along – and everybody would get along. But it feels as though something has changed. It's easy to blame social media, but it feels like it's having some impact in just building that kind of toxicity that's around the political debate."
Mr Burnham said the issue could not be solved by "easy, glib answers," adding: "I do think we need now a serious review of MPs' security. I certainly am prepared to do that." Miss Widdecombe's death follows the murders of Conservative MP Sir David Amess in 2021 and Labour's Jo Cox in 2016.
