The family of the 28-year-old man arrested on suspicion of killing former MP and MEP Ann Widdecombe have spoken out for the first time, expressing shock and disbelief. The suspect's 73-year-old uncle, who remains unnamed for legal reasons, told The Sun: 'Never in a million years did I think he would be linked to this. I'm just absolutely flabbergasted. I was in total shock when I found out about his arrest, but now I'm just numb.'
Arrest and investigation details
Ann Widdecombe, 78, was found dead at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor, Devon, on Thursday July 9, 2026. The suspect, a white British man from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, was arrested on Saturday July 11 and remains in custody. He is being held on suspicion of murder and on suspicion of the commission, preparation, or instigation of acts of terrorism. Counter-terrorism police have taken charge of the case after new evidence emerged, though a senior officer stressed that the murder and terror investigations are currently working 'in parallel'.
Possible political motive
Detectives confirmed that Widdecombe's death was a 'targeted attack', and whether the suspect was targeting Reform UK figures will be a 'line of investigation'. Police are reportedly probing whether the suspect was motivated by left-wing extremism and had been plotting violence against other high-profile figures. The suspect's uncle described himself as a fan of Widdecombe, a former Reform UK spokesperson, saying: 'I liked Ann because she was forthright. She called a spade a spade. She was strident and principled and that's why people were so fond of her.'
Suspect's background
Neighbours in Rotherham described the suspect as someone who rarely went out but was friendly when encountered, and would take in parcels for them. He is understood to have been living alone after his father died. The investigation continues as authorities work to determine the full circumstances behind the killing.
