Ann Widdecombe, a former Conservative MP and spokesperson for Reform UK, defended Nigel Farage in a pre-recorded interview just 20 minutes before her death, it has emerged. The interview for Christian radio station TWR-UK, recorded between 11:54 a.m. and 12:10 p.m. on Wednesday, was released with her family's permission.
Widdecombe, 78, was found dead at her home on Thursday morning. Police have launched a murder investigation and arrested a 28-year-old man from Rotherham on suspicion of murder. He was later re-arrested on suspicion of terrorism-related offenses.
In the interview, Widdecombe defended Farage amid scrutiny over his finances and donations to Reform UK. She supported his decision to call a by-election in his Clacton-on-Sea constituency following speculation about a £5 million gift from a cryptocurrency billionaire. Widdecombe spoke in her characteristic forthright manner, discussing what she described as a "politics of personal destruction" targeting politicians.
Police believe Widdecombe was attacked shortly after her interview concluded, around 12:30 p.m. She had been scheduled to appear on a Channel 5 show at 1 p.m. and had exchanged messages with a producer about accessing a Zoom link at 12:19 p.m. before ceasing to respond.
Officers initially considered the possibility of a burglary, but no items were reported stolen from her £600,000 property. After an initial incorrect arrest, police detained a 28-year-old man in Rotherham on Saturday night. The suspect was reportedly seen leaving his property on Wednesday morning carrying a long object.
Items of varying political ideology, including Russian material, have been found at the suspect's home and on electronic devices. However, investigators do not believe there is evidence of hostile state involvement. Counter-terrorism police are exploring whether the suspect, described as a potential "lone wolf," targeted Widdecombe due to her political views, which she frequently expressed as Reform UK's immigration and justice spokesman. Sources suggest that political ideology may be a factor, though the inquiry remains in its early stages.
Farage maintains that the £5 million gift was a personal donation made when he was not an active politician and therefore did not require declaration. A relative of the suspect reportedly posted on social media on the day Widdecombe died, questioning Nigel Farage's security in his constituency.
