Police say Ann Widdecombe was killed in ‘targeted attack’

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

Advertisement

— Shabana Mahmood MP (@ShabanaMahmood) July 13, 2026

Counter-terrorism police are now leading the investigation following the discovery of new evidence.

Laurence Taylor, head of UK counter-terrorism policing, 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.

Counter terrorism police are now leading the investigation into the death of Ann Widdecombe (Image: Zoe Head-Thomas/PA Wire)

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

Advertisement

— 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.

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.

Following her death, there were calls for caution from Reform UK figures after Devon and Cornwall Police initially ruled out a political or terrorist motive for the killing.

Richard Tice, deputy leader of Reform UK, said it would be “wise, when considering motivation” for police to keep an open mind “as opposed to ruling things out too quickly that may then end up being ruled back in”.

Gawain Towler, a board member for the party, said changing the line of inquiry risked undermining trust in the police.

Recommended reading:

Mr Towler said: “In a time when trust in the police is at an all-time low, this just plays into that they are trying to massage public opinion rather than do the job of investigating a brutal murder.

“By appearing to rule something out and then a few days later bringing it back in, they look manipulative and that’s a shame.”

Miss Widdecombe was widely respected across the spectrum for her public service and outspoken character.