A relative of the suspect arrested in connection with the murder of former Conservative MP Ann Widdecombe questioned Nigel Farage's security on social media on the day the 78-year-old was believed to have been killed. The post by the suspect's family member was made last Wednesday, amid scrutiny over Reform UK leader Mr. Farage's political donations and his decision to resign his Clacton seat, triggering a by-election.
On the same day, police believe Ms. Widdecombe was murdered at approximately 12:30 p.m. in her retirement bungalow in Haytor, Dartmoor National Park. Her body was discovered the following morning by a gardener. Devon and Cornwall Police announced a murder investigation on Friday.
A 28-year-old man arrested in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, on suspicion of murder was later re-arrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation, or instigation of acts of terrorism. Counter-terrorism police are investigating whether the suspect, described as a 'lone wolf,' may have targeted Ms. Widdecombe due to her political views. Material suggesting political ideology could be a motive has been discovered, though investigators do not believe there is evidence of hostile state involvement.
Ms. Widdecombe, who served as a spokesperson for Reform UK, is believed to have recorded her final interview for the Christian radio station TWR-UK between 11:54 a.m. and 12:10 p.m. on Wednesday. In the interview, she defended Mr. Farage amidst allegations regarding a £5 million gift from a cryptocurrency billionaire and donations to Reform UK. She stated that politicians face a "game of personal destruction" and supported Mr. Farage's decision to call a by-election, suggesting he wanted to "bring this to a head."
Mr. 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. He had previously described Ms. Widdecombe as a friend.
Police believe Ms. Widdecombe was attacked minutes after her interview concluded. She had exchanged messages with a producer at 12:19 p.m. regarding a Channel 5 show appearance but then stopped responding. Officers narrowed down the time of the attack after a car was seen pulling onto the politician's driveway just before 12:30 p.m.
Initially, police considered a theory that Ms. Widdecombe had disturbed a burglar, despite nothing being taken from her property. The suspect was captured on CCTV leaving his Rotherham home shortly before 8 a.m. on Wednesday, reportedly carrying a long object. He is believed to have driven approximately 270 miles to Ms. Widdecombe's home, where he was arrested on Saturday night. Items of varying political ideology, including Russian material, were found at the suspect's home and on electronic devices.