Counter-terrorism police leading investigation into death of former UK minister after new evidence
Updated ,first published
LondonBritish counter-terrorism police are investigating the alleged murder of former cabinet minister Ann Widdecombe after new evidence emerged surrounding her death at her home in southern England last Wednesday.
The former MP, who was a Conservative Party minister before moving to the Brexit Party and then Reform UK, was found dead at his home in Devon hours before appearing on a television talk show to discuss British politics.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood confirmed in London on Monday (around 10pm AEST) that there was reason to believe there was a terrorist motive in the alleged crime and said she had spoken to the head of the Counter Terrorism Police.
“They are leading the investigation into the horrific murder of Ann Widdecombe following new information and evidence,” he said.
“Police are conducting multiple investigations to determine the motivation for this attack.”
Mahmood said he would brief the House of Commons on the investigation later in the day.
A conservative politician with strong Christian beliefs, Widdecombe was widely admired in British public life but also subjected to harsh criticism. The alleged murder has raised concerns that politicians are being targeted following the murders of two MPs in the last decade.
Police arrested a 28-year-old white British man in South Yorkshire on suspicion of murder and said they were not looking for another suspect. They previously detained a 26-year-old man but later released him.
National Counter Terrorism Police Chief Laurence Taylor said police had “new information and evidence” which meant his group would lead the investigation.
“We are conducting multiple investigations to determine the motivation for this attack,” he said.
“Our priority is to move this investigation forward quickly with all the means at our disposal. If anyone has any information, please share it with the police.”
“We continue to appeal for anyone with any information that could assist our investigation to get in touch.”
According to BBC news, based on the police, the suspect was arrested again on suspicion of committing, preparing or instigating terrorist acts.
The 28-year-old man allegedly drove approximately 480 kilometers to Widdecombe’s home after neighbors saw him getting into his car with a “wooden pole”. of london Telegram reported.
Footage of his arrest taken from closed-circuit television and released by Sun, It showed police wearing balaclavas entering the property.
On Sunday, Devon and Cornwall Police said there was “at this stage” no suggestion the alleged murder was politically motivated.
The change in investigation is a striking development, but police did not provide details about the new evidence that led to the appointment of counter-terrorism investigators.
Conservative MP David Amess was fatally stabbed in October 2021 and his death was treated as a terrorist incident. Murderer Ali Harbi Ali, a British citizen of Somali origin, was found guilty and sentenced to life imprisonment.
Labor MP Jo Cox was fatally shot and stabbed by far-right Thomas Mair in West Yorkshire in June 2016. This was considered a terrorist attack and the murderer was sentenced to life imprisonment.
Widdecombe was known for his socially conservative views, first as a junior minister in the Conservative government led by Prime Minister John Major from 1992 to 1997.
After switching to the Brexit Party, he joined Reform in recent years and became the immigration and justice spokesman for the party led by Nigel Farage.
He converted to Catholicism in part to protest the Church of England’s ordination of women as priests, and opposed abortion and the equalization of the age of consent for homosexual and heterosexual relationships.
via Reuters
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David Crowe is the European correspondent for The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age.Connect with: X or email.
