UNIPA News| London|14 July-British counter-terrorism police have taken over the investigation into the death of former government minister and Reform UK politician Ann Widdecombe following the emergence of new information that authorities say has altered the nature of the case.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood told Parliament that Widdecombe, 78, was found dead at her home in southwest England last Thursday with what police described as serious injuries. She said the circumstances surrounding the death were “extremely distressing” and confirmed that Counter Terrorism Policing is now leading the investigation.
A man described by police as a white British suspect was arrested in Rotherham, northern England, late on Saturday on suspicion of murder. Counter-terrorism officers later re-arrested him on suspicion of the commission, preparation, or instigation of acts of terrorism.
Mahmood said new information had emerged during the investigation, prompting the transfer of the case to counter-terrorism officers. She added that the suspect was not previously known to the UK’s Prevent counter-radicalisation programme.
Laurence Taylor, head of National Counter Terrorism Policing, said investigators are pursuing multiple lines of inquiry to determine the motive behind the attack and appealed to the public for any information that could assist the investigation.
The incident has renewed concerns over the safety of public officials in the United Kingdom. Addressing Parliament, Mahmood said the case raises important questions about the security of politicians and others involved in public life. She also offered to meet Reform UK leader Nigel Farage to discuss security arrangements for members of his party.
Widdecombe served as a junior minister in the Conservative government led by Prime Minister John Major between 1992 and 1997. After leaving the Conservative Party following her departure from Parliament in 2010, she later joined Reform UK, where she served as the party’s immigration and justice spokesperson.
She was also widely known to the British public through appearances on television programmes, including Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother.
Tributes have been paid to Widdecombe by political figures from across the United Kingdom following news of her death.
