Ann Widdecombe, the former Conservative minister and Reform UK spokeswoman, was killed in a "targeted attack" at her home in Devon, police have stated. Detectives are actively working to understand the motive behind the incident.
Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor, Head of Counter Terrorism Policing, confirmed the nature of the attack and noted that Widdecombe's appearance on Talk TV on the morning of her death is being examined as part of the ongoing investigation. He indicated that the possibility of other Reform UK figures being targeted has not been ruled out.
A 28-year-old suspect, arrested in Rotherham, is being held under warrant for up to seven days on suspicion of murder. He was initially arrested on Saturday and re-arrested on Monday on suspicion of the commission, preparation, or instigation of acts of terrorism. Taylor clarified that while a counter-terrorism investigation is running in parallel to the murder inquiry, the killing has not yet been declared a terrorist incident at this stage.
Widdecombe, 78, was discovered with serious injuries at her home in Haytor on Thursday, July 9. Police believe the attack took place the previous day. The suspect is described as a 28-year-old white British man.
"It is clear that this was a targeted attack. We are still working to understand the extent of any planning or preparation, and the motivation that sits behind that attack," Taylor told reporters. He declined to comment on the specific motivation at this stage but confirmed that multiple lines of inquiry, including digital forensic examinations, are being pursued expeditiously.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood informed the House of Commons on Monday that the suspect was not known to the government's Prevent anti-terror scheme. Taylor refrained from commenting on whether the arrest on suspicion of terror offences means the suspect potentially committed terrorism offences separate to the murder case, or if other politicians were potential targets. He emphasized, "This is a murder investigation following a brutal attack on a 78-year-old woman in her own home." He also acknowledged the "deeply distressing impact on Miss Widdecombe's family."
Regarding Widdecombe's Talk TV appearance, Taylor stated it was one of the lines of inquiry being explored. He urged against speculation, saying, "My request is that we don't over speculate and that we go where the investigation takes us. In terms of motive it would be wrong for me to ascribe either an ideology, or what the motivation might be at this stage."
Counter-terrorism police took over the investigation from Devon and Cornwall police on Monday. This followed an earlier statement from Devon and Cornwall Police that, while they were keeping an open mind, there was "nothing to suggest" the murder was politically motivated. Taylor explained the handover was based on new information, stating, "Based on new information we felt it was appropriate that we took over the investigation."
Devon and Cornwall's police and crime commissioner, Alison Hernandez, defended her force's response amid public commentary about the way police communicated during the early stages of the case. She described the force's response as "substantial and professional" and said it was "not unusual" for counter-terror police to become involved later.
It has also emerged that Widdecombe, who served as the MP for Maidstone in Kent for 23 years, gave a pre-recorded radio interview about nine minutes long for British Christian radio station TWR-UK via video link approximately 20 minutes before police believe she was attacked. The interview was not broadcast but was later shared with Times Radio, which first aired it on Tuesday.
In the interview, Widdecombe discussed her support for Reform UK leader Nigel Farage following his decision to re-fight his Essex seat in a by-election, amid scrutiny over his finances and a parliamentary investigation.
