LONDON -- British police are now treating the killing of former politician Ann Widdecombe as an act of terror, authorities announced Monday. A 28-year-old man, who was initially arrested on suspicion of murder, has been rearrested under terrorism legislation.

Counter Terrorism Policing South East stated that the suspect is now being held on suspicion of the commission, preparation, or instigation of acts of terrorism. Previously, police had indicated that the crime was not believed to be terrorism-related or politically motivated.

"We now have new information and evidence that means Counter Terrorism Policing is now leading the investigation," said Head of National Counter Terrorism Policing, Laurence Taylor. "We are pursuing multiple lines of inquiry to establish the motivation for this attack."

Widdecombe, 78, was discovered dead last week at her rural home in southwest England. Police have not disclosed the cause of death, stating only that she sustained "serious injuries."

The death has sent ripples through British political circles. Widdecombe was a prominent figure for decades, known for her socially conservative stances, including opposition to abortion and the expansion of LGBTQ+ rights.

The suspect, whose name has not been released as he has not been charged, was apprehended on Saturday in South Yorkshire, more than 200 miles from the village of Haytor where Widdecombe lived. Police believe the attack occurred around 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Concerns were raised after Widdecombe failed to appear for a scheduled television interview that afternoon.

Widdecombe served as a Member of Parliament for the House of Commons from 1987 to 2010. During her tenure, she held roles such as prisons minister in the Conservative government of Prime Minister John Major in the 1990s.

After leaving Parliament, Widdecombe gained public recognition as a contestant on reality television shows like "Strictly Come Dancing" and "Celebrity Big Brother." She later joined the Brexit Party, briefly serving as a Member of the European Parliament before the UK's departure from the European Union in 2020. More recently, she became affiliated with the anti-immigration Reform UK party, frequently appearing in media as a spokesperson.

Colleagues and friends often described her as having a pugnacious public persona in politics, contrasted with personal kindness and humor.