Counter Terrorism Policing has assumed leadership of the investigation into the death of former Conservative MP Ann Widdecombe, who was found dead at her home in Devon last week. A 28-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder has now been re-arrested on suspicion of committing, preparing, or instigating acts of terrorism.
Specialist officers from Counter Terrorism Policing South East (CTPSE) stated that new information and evidence prompted the change in leadership. The specific nature of this new evidence has not been disclosed. Laurence Taylor, head of National Counter Terrorism Policing, confirmed that multiple lines of inquiry are being pursued to determine the motivation behind the attack.
Officers were initially called to Ms. Widdecombe's home in Haytor, Devon, on Thursday, July 9, by the ambulance service. The 78-year-old former minister was found deceased with serious injuries. Police believe she may have been dead for approximately 24 hours.
The suspect, a 28-year-old man from Rotherham, was arrested on Saturday. Neighbors described him as a recluse and a loner who had become more introverted after his father's death the previous year. He was reportedly seen leaving his home shortly before 8 a.m. on Wednesday, the day police believe Ms. Widdecombe was killed, carrying an object resembling a baton or pole. He was captured on CCTV entering a red hatchback vehicle.
Ms. Widdecombe, a former Conservative MP, had appeared in a television program, "Celebrity Yorkshire Auction House," just five days before her death. During the show, she gave a tour of her £600,000 Dartmoor home, including the kitchen where she was later found deceased. She spoke on the program about seeking peace, quiet, and solitude in her remote location, stating, "I came down here quite deliberately to be as remote as I could, as was sensible."
Ms. Widdecombe had stopped responding to text messages regarding a TV interview around the time police believe she was attacked. She was scheduled to appear remotely on Channel 5's Matt Allwright show but failed to join the Zoom meeting after ceasing to respond to producers.
Reform UK is reportedly reviewing emails sent to Ms. Widdecombe in the weeks leading up to her murder for any potential threats. The party has also stated its commitment to providing security for its MPs.
Crimes against Members of Parliament have reportedly been on the rise. Data from the National Police Chiefs Council indicated that 984 offenses were committed against MPs in the previous year, an increase from the year before, with incidents including burglary, assault, and threats to kill.