British counterterrorism police have taken charge of the investigation into the death of former politician Ann Widdecombe, following the discovery of "new information and evidence." The development was announced on Monday, July 13, 2026, by U.K. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood.
Mahmood confirmed the change in leadership on X, stating, "This morning I have spoken to the head of [Counter Terrorism Policing]. Following new information and evidence, they are now leading on the investigation into the horrific murder of Ann Widdecombe." She added that police are "pursuing multiple lines of enquiry to establish the motivation for this attack" and that she would provide further information to parliament later the same day.
The murder investigation began on Friday after the 78-year-old former Conservative member of parliament was discovered deceased at her home on Thursday in Haytor, located on the edge of Dartmoor National Park in southwest England. Police reported that Widdecombe had "sustained serious injuries."
A 28-year-old man was initially arrested on suspicion of murder on Saturday in South Yorkshire, northern England, more than 200 miles from where Widdecombe's body was found. Counter Terrorism Policing South East subsequently announced that the suspect has been re-arrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation, or instigation of acts of terrorism.
Ann Widdecombe served as a lawmaker from 1987 to 2010, known for her socially conservative stances, including opposition to abortion and any expansion of LGBTQ+ rights. After her parliamentary career, she gained wider public recognition as a contestant on reality television shows such as "Strictly Come Dancing" and "Celebrity Big Brother."
In later years, Widdecombe joined the Brexit Party and became a spokeswoman for the anti-immigration Reform UK party. Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson paid tribute to her, describing her as a "heroic Brexiteer and a great speaker who could move Tory audiences to such ecstasy that she was a very hard act to follow."
