Counterterror police lead Ann Widdecombe death investigation
British counterterrorism officers took over the inquiry after police cited new evidence and rearrested a 28-year-old man.
By James Whitfield · Staff Writer
3 min read
Counterterrorism police have taken charge of the investigation into the death of former British politician Ann Widdecombe, police said Monday. The shift matters because Devon and Cornwall Police had said last week that they had no evidence her death was linked to terrorism or political motivation.
Police said the change followed “new information and evidence,” according to Al Jazeera and The Associated Press. Widdecombe, 78, was found dead Thursday at her home in Devon, in southwest England, after suffering what police described as serious injuries.
A 28-year-old white British man has been rearrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism, police said. Al Jazeera and AP reported that the same man had been arrested Saturday on suspicion of murder.
Laurence Taylor, the head of National Counter Terrorism Policing, said officers were now leading the case because of the new material. He said investigators were pursuing several lines of inquiry as they try to establish the motive for the attack.
Police timeline
Police have not released a cause of death, according to Al Jazeera and AP. Investigators believe Widdecombe was attacked at about 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, the outlets reported, citing police.
The suspect was arrested in South Yorkshire, about 320 kilometres, or 200 miles, from the scene in Devon, according to the report. He has not been formally charged.
The case marks a change from the initial police assessment. Devon and Cornwall Police had previously said there was nothing to indicate the suspected killing was terror-related or politically motivated.
Political reaction
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said in a post on X that she had spoken Monday morning with the head of counterterrorism police. She said she would update members of Parliament later in the day.
Reform UK board member Gawain Towler told reporters Monday that police had tried to “massage public opinion” when they initially said there was nothing to suggest political motivation, according to Al Jazeera and AP.
Widdecombe had served as a Conservative member of Parliament and government minister before later joining Reform, according to the report. Al Jazeera and AP described her as a divisive figure because of socially conservative positions, including opposition to abortion and support for restoring the death penalty.
She first drew national attention in the 1990s while serving in Conservative ministerial roles, according to the report. She later became a regular presence on reality television and more recently worked as a spokeswoman for Reform.
Al Jazeera and AP reported that her death has renewed concern in British politics about the safety of elected officials. The report said two other British MPs have been killed over the past decade.
Reform has reportedly tightened security after Widdecombe’s death, including 24-hour protection for MPs, according to Al Jazeera and AP.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.