Nigel Farage has claimed that he was initially told by Keir Starmer, and the chief constable of Devon and Cornwall Police, that Ann Widdecombe's death was the result of a 'burglary gone wrong.' Farage stated he received these accounts following the discovery of the former MP's body last week.
Counter-terrorism police are now leading the investigation into Widdecombe's death at her Dartmoor bungalow, and a 28-year-old man has been arrested. Farage and other Reform UK figures have utilized the incident to highlight security threats faced by politicians.
Zia Yusuf, Reform UK's home affairs spokesman, called for an increase in the budget for MPs' safety to £100 million, proposing that each MP should have a dedicated bodyguard. Farage recounted speaking with the chief constable of Devon and Cornwall Police and the Prime Minister over Friday and Saturday, both of whom he said described the incident as a 'burglary that's gone wrong.'
Farage contested this initial assessment, stating that a burglar would not park a car on a driveway and enter a house directly, suggesting instead that such an act indicated premeditation. He claimed that upon visiting Dartmoor on Saturday, he was certain it was a premeditated murder, a view he stated he received criticism for at the time.
At Prime Minister's Questions, Sir Keir Starmer paid tribute to Widdecombe, suggesting that she be honored with a commemorative shield in the House of Commons chamber, similar to those for murdered MPs Jo Cox and Sir David Amess. Starmer remarked on the chilling fact that three serving or former MPs have been murdered during his 11 years in Parliament, adding that more must be done to defend democracy.
Widdecombe, 78, a former Conservative MP and MEP, was found dead at her home on Thursday. Police reported she had sustained serious injuries and believed she was attacked on Wednesday afternoon, nearly 24 hours before she was discovered.
Initially, Devon and Cornwall Police stated the case was not being treated as terrorism and there was no indication of a politically motivated crime. However, on Monday, the force announced that the investigation was being treated as an act of terrorism, citing new information and evidence that had come to light. Counter-terrorism police described Widdecombe's killing as a 'targeted attack.'
Farage is scheduled to meet with the Royal and VIP Executive Committee on Thursday to discuss threats to high-profile figures, following an offer from Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood. He previously declined a security package similar to that offered to Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, stating it was a downgrade and inadequate for his public engagements which involve frequent interaction with large crowds. Farage suggested his need for more extensive security was a factor in his acceptance of a significant gift from crypto-billionaire and Reform donor Christopher Harborne. Farage's resignation as Clacton MP paused an investigation by Parliament's standards commissioner concerning this gift.
Farage has faced criticism for his speculation regarding the motive behind Widdecombe's suspected murder and has claimed an 'establishment narrative' is attempting to demonize his party, alleging a narrative of 'total hatred' being built against them by political leaders and much of the mainstream media.