The uncle of a man arrested on suspicion of the murder of former Member of Parliament Ann Widdecombe has described his shock, stating his legs "went like jelly" upon hearing the news.
"He's the last person I would think would do anything like that," the uncle told the BBC from his home in Rotherham. He described his nephew as a "quiet and unassuming boy" who was "gentle and polite."
Widdecombe, 78, was found dead in her home in Haytor, Devon, on July 9 after sustaining serious injuries. Police confirmed on Saturday that a 28-year-old white British man was arrested in South Yorkshire on suspicion of murder and the commission, preparation, or instigation of acts of terrorism.
Counter-terrorism police are treating the death as a "targeted attack" and are working to determine the motive. The arrested man was reportedly living with his father until his father's death a few months prior. Neighbors described the suspect as someone who kept to himself, particularly after his father passed away.
One neighbor noted a car leaving the suspect's property early on the morning of July 3 and returning by evening, a detail the uncle found noteworthy given the distance involved. "Things don't add up," he commented, noting that the car was usually at the property.
Ann Widdecombe served as a Conservative MP for Maidstone for 23 years and held positions as a Home Office and employment minister under Prime Minister John Major. Following her parliamentary career, she participated in television programs such as "Strictly Come Dancing" and "Celebrity Big Brother." She later served as an MEP for the Brexit Party and joined Reform UK in 2023.
Her death has prompted tributes and discussions regarding the safety of public figures.