UK counter-terrorism police take over Widdecombe probe
UK counter-terrorism police officers are leading an investigation into the suspected murder of former government minister Ann Widdecombe in light of new information, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said.
Widdecombe, 78, was found dead at his home in south-west England last Thursday with what police described as “serious injuries”.
He was a leading member of Nigel Farage’s populist Reform UK and left the Conservatives after they withdrew from parliament in 2010.
Police said they arrested a “white British” man on suspicion of murder in Rotherham, northern England, late on Saturday and initially said there was nothing to suggest a link to terrorism.
Mahmood told MPs: “On Wednesday Ann Widdecombe was murdered at her home. The circumstances surrounding her death are extremely distressing. Counter Terrorism Police are now taking the lead on the investigation.”
Mahmood said “new information” had emerged that changed the nature of the investigation, but added that the suspect was not recognized by the UK’s counter-radicalisation scheme Prevent.
Anti-Terrorism Police stated that the suspect was arrested again on suspicion of committing, preparing or provoking terrorist acts, and called for the public to be informed about the incident.
“We are carrying out multiple investigations to determine the motivation for this attack,” said Laurence Taylor, head of the National Counter Terrorism Police.
“Our priority is to move this investigation forward quickly.”
Politicians’ safety has been under scrutiny due to the murders of two sitting British members of parliament in the last decade.
Labor MP Jo Cox was shot and stabbed by a Nazi-obsessed attacker during the Brexit campaign in 2016.
Conservative MP David Amess was stabbed to death in 2021 by a man inspired by the militant group Islamic State.
Saying that Cox and Amess were also on his mind, Mahmood stated that Widdecombe’s death “raises questions about the safety of those in public life” and said that the government will work with the parliament on how to protect MPs and other people involved in politics.
Proposing a meeting to discuss security, Mahmood said: “I am aware of the particular concern that the Reform Party and, of course, the party’s leader, Nigel Farage, will feel today.” he said.
Widdecombe was known for his socially conservative views, first as a junior minister in Conservative Prime Minister John Major’s 1992-1997 government and later as Reform UK’s immigration and justice spokesperson.
He also gained fame outside of politics after appearing on Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother.
Tributes poured in from across the political spectrum following his death.
with PA
