The murder of veteran politician Ann Widdecombe is being treated as an act of terrorism, police have said.
A 28-year-old man, who was arrested in Rotherham on Saturday, has since been re-arrested on suspicion of commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.
Counter-terrorism police have claimed that “new information and evidence” had come to light, which meant they were now leading the investigation, after working alongside Devon and Cornwall Police after Ms Widdecombe was found dead with “serious injuries” in her Haytor residence at 11.40am on Thursday.
Head of national counter-terrorism policing, Laurence Taylor, said: “We are pursuing multiple lines of enquiry to establish the motivation for this attack.
“Our priority is progressing this investigation quickly, with all the capabilities we have available to us. If anyone has any information, please share it with the police.
“We would like to thank local communities, the wider public and the media for their ongoing support and patience, and would ask them to continue to support us in the next stage of the investigation.”
The home secretary said she would update the House of Commons this afternoon.
No 10 urges people to respect integrity of investigation into Ann Widdecombe’s death
No 10 has called on the public to respect the integrity of the investigation into Ann Widdecombe’s death.
Asked about the level of speculation around the case, the prime minister’s official spokesman said: “I think the police have been very clear – haven’t they? – that this is a live murder investigation, and we would just echo that it’s important that the integrity of this investigation is protected and supported as they carry out this work.
“And of course, we would urge anyone with information to come forward to the police.”
Bryony Gooch13 July 2026 16:00
Friend pays tribute to ‘generous and kind’ Ann Widdecombe who ‘never talked politics’
Dee McVey, chair of Okehampton U3A said she had invited Ann to visit a local horse stables on the day she died. The women had become friends after she invited Ann to speak at an event at the Union Inn in Moretonhampstead a few weeks ago.
“She was an amazing woman,” said Dee. “She did a lot of talks for the U3A and always free of charge and very often she sold books when she was at the meeting and gave her profit to the U3A. She was so generous and so kind. She had become a friend of mine.
“She loved horses. She was going to come to a race meeting at the end of October and she was so looking forward to it. She had stables behind her house. She used to have a horse.
“What upsets me is that we had actually organised a stable visit for last Wednesday and she couldn’t come because she had engagements on the TV.”
“Three years ago I booked her to do a meeting in Okehampton. And then again a couple of months ago. I really only got to know her since the meeting we did a couple of months ago. She talked about Strictly to get everyone laughing.
“She never talked politics. Without talking about the politics everybody liked her as a person. She said what she thought and so few politicians do that. With her what you saw was what you got.”
Bryony Gooch13 July 2026 15:30
Hoyle: Ann Widdecombe ‘was a friend in many ways’
Paying tribute to Ann Widdecombe, Sir Lindsay Hoyle said he “spent a lot of time” with the former member of Parliament at a pizzeria in Kennington, south London.
Sir Lindsay said: “Ann was a close friend to David Amess, who was murdered in 2021, and both were fellow animal lovers.
“In light of the ongoing police investigation, I would urge members to take care not to say anything in this House that might prejudice a future trial.”
The Speaker also said: “I’ll just say on a personal level, Casa Pizza in Lambeth, in Kennington, is where I spent a lot of time in the evening sharing a pizza with the one and only Ann Widdecombe.
“She was a friend in many ways.
“Politically, we may not agree, but she was without doubt a courageous, principled politician and all of our thoughts are with family and her friends.”
Bryony Gooch13 July 2026 15:15
Tour of Ann Widdecombe’s Devon house aired on TV days before she was found dead
Tour of Ann Widdecombe’s Devon house aired on TV days before she was found dead
The politician, 78, suffered serious injuries inside her remote home in Haytor Bryony Gooch13 July 2026 15:00
Commons Speaker urges MPs not to prejudice a future trial
The Independent’s political reporter Athena Stavrou reports:
Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle has urged MPs not to say anything that might prejudice a future trial after Anne Widdecombe’s death.
Sir Lindsay paid tribute to the former Tory minister and Reform UK spokesperson, who he described as both “fierce” and “principled”.
“I’d like to pay tribute to Ann Widdecombe who died in tragic, deeply troubling circumstances last week,” he said.
He added: “In light of the ongoing police investigation, I would urge members to take care not to say anything in this house that might prejudice a future trial.”
Bryony Gooch13 July 2026 14:52
Lindsey Hoyle pays tribute to Ann Widdecombe
Speaker of the House of Commons Sir Lindsay Hoyle has paid tribute to Ann Widdecombe, who he described as both “fierce” and “principled”.
Sir Lindsay told MPs: “I’d like to pay tribute to Ann Widdecombe who died in tragic, deeply troubling circumstances last week.
“Ann was a formidable politician, a prominent figure in public life.”
The speaker later added: “Ann was fierce and enjoyed robust political debate.
“Whether you agreed with her or not, she was principled, spoke her mind and was true to her beliefs which were informed by her Christian faith.”
Bryony Gooch13 July 2026 14:45
When will the home secretary issue an update?
The home secretary is expected to issue an update to MPs this afternoon as counter terrorism police take the lead on the investigation.
Shabana Mahmood said: “Following new information and evidence, they are now leading on the investigation into the horrific murder of Ann Widdecombe.
“The police are pursuing multiple lines of inquiry to establish the motivation for this attack.
“I will be updating the House further this afternoon. My thoughts today remain with Ann’s family and friends, and all those who loved her.”
She is expected to give an update after 4.30pm in the House of Commons.
Bryony Gooch13 July 2026 14:26
Recap: What we know about Counter terrorism police leading investigating into Ann Widdecombe
Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) can confirm it is now leading the investigation into the death of Ann Widdecombe.
Specialist officers from across the CTP network have been working alongside colleagues in Devon and Cornwall Police since a murder investigation was launched last week.
A 28-year-old white British man from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, was arrested on suspicion of murder on Saturday 11 July.
New information and evidence has come to light during what has been a dynamic and complex investigation and as a result, Counter Terrorism Policing South East (CTPSE) is now leading the investigation.
The man in custody has since been re-arrested on suspicion of commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.
The home secretary will be updating MPs later today.
Shabana Mahmood said: “Following new information and evidence, they are now leading on the investigation into the horrific murder of Ann Widdecombe.
“The police are pursuing multiple lines of inquiry to establish the motivation for this attack.
“I will be updating the House further this afternoon. My thoughts today remain with Ann’s family and friends, and all those who loved her.”
Rebecca Whittaker13 July 2026 14:10
Pictured: Police outside the house of Ann Widdecombe as Counter Terrorism Policing take over investigation
Rebecca Whittaker13 July 2026 14:04
Watch: Man ‘with stick left house linked to Widdecombe murder suspect and drove away’
Rebecca Whittaker13 July 2026 13:45NewerOlder