Veteran politician Ann Widdecombe was killed in a “targeted attack,” counter-terrorism police have confirmed.
The 78-year-old was found dead at her home in Haytor, Devon, on Thursday (July 9), with “serious injuries.”
A 28-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of her murder on Saturday and has since been rearrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.
Shabana Mahmood, the Home Secretary, confirmed the suspect was not known to the Government’s Prevent anti-extremism programme.
Speaking in the House of Commons on Monday, she paid tribute to Miss Widdecombe, describing her as a “unique figure” in UK politics and a "devoted public servant."
Ms Mahmood said: "She was a unique figure in our politics, a distinctive and devoted public servant, the likes of whom we will rarely, if ever, see again.
"Ann had a profound faith. Her journey in this life has ended too soon."
Ann Widdecombe was fearless and forthright. She was a devoted public servant, the likes of whom we will rarely, if ever, see again.
The circumstances of Ann's murder are extremely distressing. The investigation is now being led by @TerrorismPolice . The police have cautioned… pic.twitter.com/zVie378NTm— Shabana Mahmood MP (@ShabanaMahmood) July 13, 2026
Ann Widdecombe killed in "targeted attack"
Counter Terrorism Police have now confirmed Ms Widdecombe was killed in a "targeted attack".
Head of Counter Terrorism Policing, Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor, said: “It is clear that this was a targeted attack.
“We are still working to understand the extent of any planning or preparation, and the motivation that sits behind that attack.
“I wouldn’t want to comment on what that motivation was.
“The two investigations are running in parallel.
“In terms of the preparation and planning, we are aware that there has been some preparation and planning. I don’t want to go into the details of the extent of that at this stage.”
Counter-terrorism police are now leading the investigation following the discovery of new evidence.
Assistant Commissioner Taylor, earlier this week, said: "Building on the progress made by our colleagues in Devon and Cornwall Police, we now have new information and evidence that means Counter Terrorism Policing is now leading the investigation.
"We are pursuing multiple lines of inquiry to establish the motivation for this attack.
"Our priority is progressing this investigation quickly, with all the capabilities we have available to us."
He urged anyone with information to contact police and thanked the public and media for their support and patience.
Miss Widdecombe, who was a former Conservative MP, Brexit Party MEP, and most recently a Reform UK spokeswoman, was found dead at about 11.40am on Thursday at her remote bungalow on Dartmoor.
Police believe she was attacked around 12.30pm on Wednesday, shortly before she was due to appear on Channel 5’s Matt Allwright show.
ITV News reported that Miss Widdecombe stopped responding to WhatsApp messages from a TV producer after the time police believe the attack took place.
Nigel Farage has been offered a meeting with the head of a parliamentary security body following Reform UK’s concerns about the safety of its MPs, Ms Mahmood confirmed.
The Home Secretary said she would also review security guidance for former MPs and members of political parties without representation in Parliament.
Thank you for this offer @ShabanaMahmood .
I will meet with the Chair of RAVEC and discuss the security of all Reform politicians, including those who are not MPs. https://t.co/fkU7QnzuKV— Nigel Farage (@Nigel_Farage) July 13, 2026
Footage published by media outlets showed a shirtless man being arrested in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, on Saturday (July 11).
In cases such as this, investigators will examine the suspect’s devices for evidence of terrorist material and consider factors including mental health.
Police have said that if the investigation continues under terrorism legislation, they could be permitted to detain the suspect for up to 14 days for questioning.
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Miss Widdecombe first entered Parliament as the Conservative MP for Maidstone in 1987.
She later served as an MEP for the Brexit Party and became a spokeswoman for Reform UK.
Outside of politics, she became a familiar face in popular culture, appearing on Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother.
