Counter-terrorism police have taken over the investigation into the death of former Conservative MP and Reform UK spokesperson Ann Widdecombe, after new information and evidence came to light. Widdecombe, 77, was found dead with serious injuries at her home in Haytor, Devon, on Thursday morning.
Investigation U-turn
The move marks a significant shift from the initial assessment by Devon and Cornwall Police, who had previously stated that counter-terrorism partners had reviewed the case and ruled out a terrorist motive. On Monday, Counter-Terrorism Policing South East (CTPSE) confirmed it was now leading the investigation.
A statement from CTPSE said: “New information and evidence has come to light during what has been a dynamic and complex investigation, and as a result Counter-Terrorism Policing South East is now leading the investigation.”
Arrest and Rearrest
A 28-year-old white British man from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, was initially arrested on suspicion of murder on Saturday. He has since been rearrested on suspicion of commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism, according to police.
Laurence Taylor, head of national counter-terrorism policing, 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 inquiry to establish the motivation for this attack.”
Taylor added: “Our priority is progressing this investigation quickly, with all the capabilities we have available to us. If anyone has any information, please share it with the police.”
Government Response
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said she would update MPs in the House of Commons on the case later on Monday. She confirmed she had spoken to the head of counter-terrorism policing about the case.
“Following new information and evidence, they are now leading on the investigation into the horrific murder of Ann Widdecombe,” Mahmood said. “The police are pursuing multiple lines of inquiry to establish the motivation for this attack. I will be updating the house further this afternoon. My thoughts today remain with Ann’s family and friends, and all those who loved her.”
Background on Widdecombe
Widdecombe served as a Conservative MP for the Kent constituency of Maidstone (later Maidstone and the Weald) from 1987 to 2010. She later joined the Brexit Party in 2019 and served as an MEP for South West England until 2020. She was also a member of Reform UK, the successor party.
In later life, she became a well-known media personality, appearing on shows such as Celebrity Fit Club, Strictly Come Dancing, and Celebrity Big Brother. She lived in a bungalow named Widdecombe’s Rest in the village of Haytor Vale, within Dartmoor National Park.
Earlier Police Statements
Over the weekend, Devon and Cornwall Police had sought to reassure the public that the murder did not appear politically motivated. Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman told reporters: “At this point there is still no information to suggest that this is a terrorism-related incident and at this point we are not looking for anyone else in connection with this murder. At this stage, there is nothing to suggest that it was politically motivated.”
A 26-year-old man from Newton Abbott, Devon, was arrested on Friday but later released and deemed no longer connected to the investigation.
Political Reactions
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage visited the area around Widdecombe’s home shortly after her death and described it as “premeditated murder”. He argued that the case showed public life, especially in politics, has become “very much more dangerous than it’s ever been”.
His comments prompted criticism from other politicians. One Labour minister said public statements “rarely help the police during an investigation”, while former Conservative justice secretary David Gauke said people in public life “should know better than to speculate publicly”.
