UK anti-terrorism police take over investigation into death of former MP Ann Widdecombe – National
An investigation into the alleged murder of former British politician Ann Widdecombe is now being led by UK counter-terrorism police, investigators said, days after announcing there was no evidence to suggest it was an act of terrorism.
A 28-year-old man, who was arrested on suspicion of murder after Widdecombe, 78, was found dead in his house in a remote village in Devon, southwest England, on Thursday, was also arrested on suspicion of commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism, said Counter Terrorism Policing South East according to the Associated Press.
The suspect was arrested for the first time on Saturday in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, two days after Widdecombe’s body was found. Rotherham is more than 320 kilometers from the former MP’s home town.
The suspect has not been named because he has not been charged.
Flowers are seen outside the home of Ann Widdecombe on July 11, 2026, in Dartmoor, UK The former Conservative minister and MP for Maidstone and The Weald was found dead at her home on Thursday morning. He was said to have suffered a serious head injury.
Finnbarr Webster/Getty Images)
Devon and Cornwall Police initially said his death was not believed to be terror-related, saying there was no evidence of political motivation, but on Monday, it was announced that counter-terrorism police would launch an investigation.
“We are following multiple lines of inquiry to find out the motive behind this attack,” said the head of National Counter Terrorism Policing, Laurence Taylor, in a statement to British media.
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Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood wrote to X on Monday that she had spoken to the head of the counter-terrorism police and that she was in the process of finding a motive for the Widdecombe “attack”.
“We are following multiple lines of inquiry to find the motive for this attack. Our priority is to continue this investigation as soon as possible, with all the skills we have. If anyone has information, please share it with the police,” said Taylor.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in a statement on Friday that the whole country was “deeply shocked” by the circumstances of Widdecombe’s death and urged people to “unite” across party lines.
Widdecombe, a former Conservative MP, member of the Brexit Party, member of the European Parliament and spokesman for Reform UK for Immigration and Justice, was found dead by the ambulance service, which saw “serious injuries,” police said, without disclosing the cause of death.
Authorities said they believe Widdecombe was attacked around 12.30pm on Wednesday. His concern was raised after he failed to appear for a TV interview scheduled for Wednesday afternoon.
A coroner works at Ann Widdecombe’s house on July 11, 2026, in Dartmoor, UK.
Finnbarr Webster/Getty Images
The allegations of her murder have shocked British politics, where Widdecombe has been a prominent voice for decades, known for her strong personality and socially conservative views against abortion and the expansion of LGBTQ+ rights.
He was a lawmaker in the House of Commons from 1987 to 2010, serving in various roles, including prisons minister in former prime minister John Major’s 1990s Conservative government.
Widdecombe later found fame after leaving Parliament as a reality television contestant Strictly Come Dancing – British version of dancing with the stars – again Big Celebrity, before joining the Brexit Party.
Widdecombe lived in a bungalow called Widdecombe’s Rest in Haytor, a village in Dartmoor National Park. A plaque with the name of the place stood at the end of the road.
— via files from The Associated Press
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