Carole Malone clashed with former detective superintendent Shabnam Chaudhri during Wednesday's episode of Jeremy Vine, as the pair debated the police investigation into the murder of former Tory MP Ann Widdecombe.
Host Jeremy Vine Sets the Scene
Host Jeremy Vine opened the discussion by stating: "When a politician dies violently, the very first assumption by the police must be, 'This is a political act.' But we were left with the thought, all of us that, it was a burglary gone wrong."
Chaudhri defended police actions, noting that the major investigation team took over and arrested a suspect within 24 hours. She added: "A lot of people criticised, complained and said, 'It was the wrong suspect, it was a mistake.' Sorry, Carole, but you don't know what was there and what wasn't there."
Malone Fires Back Over Doorbell Camera Evidence
Malone interrupted Chaudhri, arguing: "Hang on, how is this fairly common? Can I just say, the killer was on her video - her [door] bell camera." Chaudhri retorted: "You are speculating."
Malone insisted: "Well I do know. No, I'm not speculating, it was! That's how they found his car was parked on the drive, they got his registration…" Vine intervened to move the conversation along.
Discussion Shifts to Police U-Turn
The debate then turned to the police's reversal on whether the murder was politically motivated. Chaudhri expressed her personal opinion that it would have been helpful for police to state they were supported by counter-terrorism police, saying: "There could have been clear transparency to the members of the public."
Malone attempted to interject again, but Vine told her: "Hang on Carole," allowing Chaudhri to finish her point.
