Counter terrorism police have taken the lead in the investigation into the death of Ann Widdecombe, following the emergence of "new information and evidence." A 28-year-old white British man from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, who was initially arrested on suspicion of murder on Saturday, has now been re-arrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation, or instigation of acts of terrorism.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood confirmed in the House of Commons on Monday that the suspect was not known to the government's Prevent anti-terror scheme. Widdecombe, a 78-year-old former Conservative minister and Reform UK spokeswoman, was discovered dead at her home in Devon with serious injuries.
Her death prompted a manhunt, culminating in the suspect's arrest around 21:00 on Saturday. Counter Terrorism Policing South East (CTPSE) stated that new information had "come to light during what has been a dynamic and complex investigation." Laurence Taylor, head of National Counter Terrorism Policing, noted that the new arrest builds on "progress made by our colleagues in Devon and Cornwall Police," and efforts are underway to establish a motive for the attack.
The announcement follows CCTV footage showing the suspect in Yorkshire, hours before the former minister is believed to have been attacked in her Devon home. The footage, time-stamped at 07:51 on Wednesday, shows the man, dressed in a white shirt and shorts, entering a red vehicle outside a house in Rotherham, with a long object appearing to protrude from his shorts pocket. The distance between Widdecombe's home and Rotherham is approximately 270 miles (430km), a drive of about four-and-a-half hours.
In her statement to MPs on Monday afternoon, Ms. Mahmood paid tribute to Widdecombe as "forthright and fearless" and someone who "thought seriously about ideas but she did not take herself too seriously." She highlighted that Widdecombe's death raised concerns about the security of those in public life, adding that police intend to issue guidance to MPs on safety soon. Mahmood also mentioned commissioning former Lord Chancellor Sir Robert Buckland to review lessons from the 2021 murder of Conservative MP Sir David Amess regarding MP security. She acknowledged Widdecombe's death would be a "particular concern" for Reform UK and its leader Nigel Farage, offering him a meeting with the chair of the Royal and VIP Executive Committee (Ravec), the public body responsible for managing security for public figures.
Also speaking in the Commons, Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp described Widdecombe as a public figure who was "always formidable, always charming, always entertaining." Reform UK's deputy leader Richard Tice called her "a colossus" in public and political life, stating that whenever she called him, he "always stood up on my toes."
On Sunday, Devon and Cornwall Police had stated there was "nothing to suggest" the murder was politically motivated. Assistant Chief Constable (ACC) Matt Longman had said officers remained "open-minded" about a potential motive and that there was no perceived threat to the wider public. Devon and Cornwall Police believe Widdecombe was attacked on Wednesday at approximately 12:30 and have since received over 120 reports of information following a public appeal. ACC Longman added that a "heightened" police presence would remain in the local area over the coming weeks.
On Sunday, around 40 mourners, including senior Reform figures, gathered in Haytor Vale to pay tribute. Richard Tice recalled speaking to Widdecombe last Monday and being in "shock and horror" upon hearing of her death, telling the crowd, "We have lost an absolute colossus, a legend in all our lifetime." Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer also paid tribute last week, calling her death a "significant loss" and urging people to "rise above" political differences. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch described Widdecombe as a "very fun and feisty woman," expressing her "heart is breaking for [Widdecombe's] family." Nigel Farage, who visited Dartmoor to pay his respects, described her as a "remarkable individual" and "the fiercest defender of free speech."
Another neighbour said police took a red car off the drive.
She joined the Brexit Party in 2019, where she represented South West England as its MEP from 2019 to 2020.
