Counter Terrorism Now Leading On Investigation Into Ann Widdecombe Death
Ann Widdecombe was found dead in her home in Devon last week (Alamy)
2 min read
Counter terrorism police are now leading on the investigation into the death of Ann Widdecombe "following new information and evidence", the Home Secretary has said.
Widdecombe, a former Conservative MP and minister who later joined Reform UK, was found dead in her home last week.
On Saturday evening, a 28-year-old man was arrested in South Yorkshire on suspicion of murder after Widdecombe's death.
The suspect is believed to have driven almost 300 miles to Widdecombe's home in Dartmoor, Devon, on the day she was killed.
On Monday morning, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood posted on X that she had spoken to the head of counter terrorism police and "following new information and evidence, they are now leading on the investigation into the horrific murder of Ann Widdecombe".
"The police are pursuing multiple lines of enquiry to establish the motivation for this attack. I will be updating the House further this afternoon."
The head of national counter-terrorism policing, Laurence Taylor, 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 enquiry to establish the motivation for this attack.
“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.”
Counter Terror Policing South East said on Monday they had also rearrested a suspect arrested late on Saturday on suspicion of “commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism”.
Speaking in the House of Commons on Monday afternoon, Mahmood said that the man in custody was not known to the counter-radicalisation programme Prevent.
Mahmood also said that security measures for parliamentarians "are kept under constant review" and police "intend to issue guidance to MPs soon".
The Home Secretary offered Reform UK leader Nigel Farage a meeting with the Royal and VIP Executive Committee (Ravec), an independent body within the Home Office, which manages the security of those in public life.
"I will also be looking at what security guidance can be provided to former members of Parliament, which I hope to work with you on, Mr. Speaker, as well as those who serve a party outside of this place."
A 26-year-old man was previously arrested on Friday but was released on Saturday and has now been ruled out of all police inquiries.
