Counter-terrorism police lead Widdecombe murder investigation after ‘new evidence’

London: British counter-terrorism police are leading the investigation into the alleged murder of former cabinet minister Ann Widdecombe after new evidence emerged into her death last Wednesday in her home in south-west England.

The former MP, who was a Conservative Party minister before shifting to the Brexit Party and later Reform UK, was found dead at her home in Devon hours before she was due to appear on a television talk show to discuss British politics.

In a separate incident, police arrested a dozen people over an alleged plot against an Islamic event at a country estate in southern England, heightening concerns about extremism.

The death of the former MP revived fears about threats to political leaders, although police initially said there was “no information to suggest” Widdecombe’s alleged murder was terrorism related.

One of Widdecombe’s political allies, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, said on Saturday that her death was “premeditated murder” and dismissed the idea that it might have been a burglary, although he did not say it was politically motivated.

Home Affairs Minister Shabana Mahmood confirmed on Monday in London (about 10pm, AEST) that there were reasons to believe there was a terrorist motive to the alleged crime, and said she had spoken to the head of Counter Terrorism Policing.

“Following new information and evidence, they are now leading on the investigation into the horrific murder of Ann Widdecombe,” she said.

“The police are pursuing multiple lines of enquiry to establish the motivation for this attack.”

As a conservative politician with strong Christian beliefs, Widdecombe was widely admired in British public life, but she was also the subject of fierce criticism. Her alleged murder has heightened concerns about politicians being targeted, following the murder of two MPs over the past decade.

Police arrested a 28-year-old white British man in South Yorkshire on suspicion of her murder and said they were not looking for any other suspect. Earlier, they detained but later released a 26-year man.

The head of National Counter Terrorism Policing, Laurence Taylor, said the police had “new information and evidence” that meant his group would lead the investigation.

“We are pursuing multiple lines of enquiry to establish the motivation for this attack,” he said.

“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 continue to appeal for anyone who may have any information that could help our  investigation to get in touch.”

The suspect was rearrested ​on suspicion of commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism, the ‌BBC ⁠reported, citing the police.

The 28-year-old man allegedly drove nearly 480 kilometres to Widdecombe’s home after he was seen by neighbours getting into his car with a “wooden pole”, London’s The Telegraph reported.

Footage of his arrest, sourced from closed-circuit television and published by The Sun, showed police in balaclavas entering the property.

On Sunday, the Devon and Cornwall Police said there was no suggestion “at this stage” that the alleged murder was politically motivated.

The shift in the investigation is a dramatic development, but the police did not elaborate on the new evidence that led to the counter-terrorism investigators being placed in charge.

Conservative MP David Amess was fatally stabbed in October 2021 and his murder was treated as a terrorist incident. The killer, Ali Harbi Ali, a British citizen of Somali descent, was convicted and sentenced to life in prison.

Labour MP Jo Cox was fatally shot and stabbed in West Yorkshire in June 2016 by far-right extremist Thomas Mair. This was also treated as a terrorist attack, and the murderer was sentenced to life in prison.

Widdecombe was known ⁠for her socially conservative views, first as a junior minister in the Conservative government led by Prime Minister John ​Major from 1992 to 1997.

After shifting to the Brexit Party, she joined Reform in recent years and was immigration ​and ⁠justice spokesperson for the party, making her a strong supporter of Farage.

The alleged plot against the Islamic event in southern England was disrupted before any potential attack, but Counter Terrorism Police commander Helen Flanagan issued a warning about future dangers.

“Sadly, this activity is a stark reminder that the threat level in the UK is at ‘severe’, so we urge the public to remain vigilant and report anything if it doesn’t look or feel right,” she said.

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