Police probe fears Ann ‘killer’ may have been targeting other Reform figures | Politics | News

Counter-terrorism police are investigating whether Ann Widdecombe’s alleged killer was planning to attack other Reform UK politicians.

Detectives investigating the murder revealed Ms Widdecombe had been “targeted” by her alleged attacker.

Investigators are now examining whether the 28-year-old suspect also planned to attack other Reform politicians such as Nigel Farage.

The revelations will lead to renewed fears for the safety of elected politicians who face death and rape threats, harassment and intimidating behaviour.

But the Daily Express can reveal that counter-terrorism police and MI5 have not contacted Reform about the potential threat they face since Ms Widdecombe’s death on Wednesday.

Detectives are understood to have responded to an email from party officials with “there is no need to share any information with us.”

Reform has recorded 1,577 threats against Farage since February, including 597 death threats.

In June alone Mr Farage received 529 threats.

Deputy Commissioner Laurence Taylor admitted officers are currently investigating whether the suspect was planning to attack other Reform politicians.

He told the Daily Express: “Obviously, part of our responsibility when investigating such crimes is to secure ourselves, and therefore the public and others, against any existing threats.

“This will establish a line of inquiry to ensure that we take all appropriate measures to mitigate any threats should they arise.

“At this stage, I’m not saying there is or there isn’t.”

He added: “Of course that will be a line of inquiry.”

Speaking about Ms Widdecombe’s death, Mr Taylor said: “It is clear this was a targeted attack.

“We are still working to understand the extent of any planning or preparation and the motivation behind this attack.”

“We are aware that some preparation and planning has been done in terms of preparation and planning. I do not want to go into details of the scope of this at this stage.”

A suspect was arrested on Saturday evening in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, about 300 miles from the 78-year-old former Tory minister’s home in Devon where he was found dead on Thursday.

Home Affairs Minister Shabana Mahmood said on Monday that he was “not recognized” by the Prevent programme.

Counter Terrorism Police believe the victim’s appearance on TalkTV at 8am on the day of the murder is another key line of the investigation.

Mr Taylor added: “We are exploring all lines of inquiry and this is one of the lines of inquiry we will be exploring.”

Prominent broadcaster and TV chef Dame Prue Leith has admitted she is currently worried for the safety of her son, Reform England MP Danny Kruger.

She said: “I haven’t even rang him about it because I don’t want him to add to his worry the fact that his mum is worried.

“I honestly think the government will do everything they can to protect MPs and there are dangers in all walks of life and that is something MPs need to keep in the back of their minds.

“But I think it’s very frightening. It’s very surprising that this is happening in the UK, which I always thought was the most civilized country when it comes to politics. It’s always been a decent country.”

“When you disagree with someone, you don’t reach for a gun, you debate and vote.”

Mr Farage agreed to a meeting with the Home Office to discuss the security available to him following the attack.

Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez hit back at criticism on Tuesday after her officers insisted for days that the Tory former minister’s death had no connection to terrorism.

Ms Hernandez said: “Some comments were made about the way Devon and Cornwall police communicated in the early stages of this case.

“But as the Home Secretary (Shabana Mahmood) said yesterday, it is not uncommon for a fast-moving investigation to bring to light more information that changes the nature or character of what the police are dealing with.”

Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson described Ms Widdecombe as an “extraordinary politician” and added that the circumstances of her death were “appalling and inexcusable”.

Mr Johnson said: “I am very, very sorry and shocked about the murder or murder of a dear colleague, Ann; I had known her for many years.

“He was a completely trustworthy person, an outstanding politician, and by the way, very, very difficult to follow; he left the audience absolutely overwhelmed with emotion after he did his job.”

Asked about the security of politicians in Britain, Mr Johnson said: “Look, I heard what the Home Secretary had to say and it made sense to me.”

Mr Johnson said: “What happened to him, what happened to him, was absolutely appalling and inexcusable.

“I think it’s politics as to what kind of attack this is, I just think you need to let the police do their job and do their job now.”