Ann Widdecombe’s killing is reportedly being investigated as possibly politically motivated as counter-terror police have taken the lead on the investigation.
Detectives discovered material suggesting that political ideology could be a factor in the motive, The Times has reported, although the inquiry reportedly remains at an early stage.
Counter-terror police took the lead over Devon & Cornwall Police on Monday following “new information and evidence”.
The government’s independent reviewer of terrorism Jonathan Hall KC criticised the Devon & Cornwall Police’s decision to steer the public away from the idea that this was a terrorist case, as he spoke toTimes Radio.
“I don’t know why they didn’t simply say they had an open mind as to the motivation. I think they probably broke one of the golden rules of investigations, which is not to comment on live investigations in case new facts emerge. So that aspect is slightly regrettable.”
A 28-year-old man, who was arrested in Rotherham on Saturday on suspicion of murder, has since been re-arrested on suspicion of commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.
Speaking to the Commons on Monday, home secretary Shabana Mahmood said he was not known to counter-terrorism programme Prevent, which supports people who are at risk of becoming involved with terrorism.
Read MoreAnn Widdecombe’s murder suspect ‘not known’ to Prevent scheme, says home secretary
Ann Widdecombe’s murder investigation becomes terror probe as suspect rearrested
Tour of Ann Widdecombe’s Devon house aired on TV days before she was found dead
What happened to Ann Widdecombe?
Key Points
- Government independent terrorism reviewer suggests police broke 'golden rule of investigation'
- Ann Widdecombe killing being investigated 'as politically motivated' - report
- Man still in custody on suspicion of terror offences
- What we know as man re-arrested by counterterror police
- MPs say they are 'looking over their shoulders' after Ann Widdecombe's death
- Ann Widdecombe’s murder suspect ‘not known’ to Prevent scheme, says home secretary
Recap watch: Sir Lindsay Hoyle pays tribute to Ann Widdecombe
13:40 , Bryony GoochWhat we know about Wednesday - the day Ann Widdecombe died
13:20 , Bryony GoochAnn Widdecombe appeared on TalkTV on Wednesday morning and was due to appear on Channel 5’s Matt Allwright show after 1pm.
WhatsApp messages published by ITV News showed a conversation between Miss Widdecombe and a producer from the show that day.
The former Conservative MP last sent a message at 12.19pm acknowledging she received a Zoom link to appear on the programme, which read “Received! Panic Over!”
Ms Widdecombe did not respond to a message asking her to join the Zoom call at 12.48pm, and did not answer further calls or other messages attempting to contact her.
Mr Allwright confirmed at 1.27pm live on air she was booked to appear on the show but had not turned up.
The production team then followed up with Ms Widdecombe’s agent on Wednesday evening and Thursday morning.
Ann Widdecombe murder investigation: What the media can and can’t report
13:00 , Bryony Gooch
Ann Widdecombe murder investigation: What the media can and can’t report
In pictures: Ann Widdecombe's home on Dartmoor which she named Widdecombe's Rest
12:30 , Bryony Gooch
Ex-adviser on political violence urges police rethink after being left '“fearful for my physical safety' outside Parliament
11:36 , Bryony GoochThe Independent’s Whitehall editor Kate Devlin reports:
Lord Walney, the government's former adviser on political violence, has urged police to rethink their attitude to the protesters outside Parliament.
He wrote to the police and Parliamentary officials last month warning he had been left “fearful for my physical safety” while officers stood by and watched.
There was a “lack of intervention from police officers” outside the peers entrance to Parliament when he was “subjected to harassment and intimidating behaviour from protestors”, he wrote in the letter, seen by The Independent.
One of the pro-Palestine protestors followed him, shouted “a variety of abuse, including repeatedly the term 'baby killer'” and followed him “right up to the entrance” to the building that houses a number of peers' offices, just across the road from Parliament, he said.
At the same time a “number of police officers stood and watched at a distance of around 5 to 10 yards. On one level, I was reassured that they would quickly intervene in the event of a physical altercation, given I felt in significant immediate danger of being physically assaulted. But I am complaining because surely the officers should have moved the protestors away from this pinch point altogether, given their abusive behaviour and physical presence which was clearly designed to intimidate peers.”
“I hope you do not mind me making a joint complaint to the Met and to parliamentary authorities about this situation which left me fearful for my physical safety,” he added.
Watch: Counter terrorism police take over investigation into Ann Widdecombe's death after arrest
11:00 , Bryony GoochFarage refused taxpayer-funded security because it was ‘inadequate’
10:30 , Bryony Gooch
Farage refused taxpayer-funded security because it was ‘inadequate’
Reform complains about level of security offered to Farage
10:00 , Bryony GoochSenior figures in Reform have complained about the level of security their party and its leader Nigel Farage have been offered.
Home secretary Shabana Mahmood has offered the Reform leader a meeting with the chairman of the Royal and VIP Executive Committee (Ravec), the body responsible for security of high-profile figures.
But Reform’s Treasury spokesman Robert Jenrick said Mr Farage’s state-funded security had been downgraded.
Mr Jenrick told BBC Radio 4’s Today: “I find it astonishing that just a short period after he was elected to Parliament, the authorities, the Government, chose to massively downgrade his security.
“I can’t see any good explanation for that, and the events of the last week have only shone a light on that.
“It shouldn’t have taken the death of Ann Widdecombe for Nigel Farage to be given a meeting with the relevant home office committee.”
Ann Widdecombe killing being investigated as 'politically motivated' - report
09:57 , Bryony GoochAnn Widdecombe’s killing is reportedly being investigated as potentially politically motivated as counter-terror police have taken the lead on the investigation.
The Times reported that sources had told them detectives discovered material suggesting that political ideology could be a factor in the motive, though they stressed that the inquiry was still at an early stage.
Counter-terror police on Monday 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 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.”
How long can the suspect be held for questioning?
09:30 , Bryony GoochThe 28-year-old suspect of Ann Widdecombe’s murder was re-arrested by counter-terror police on Monday after initially being taken into custody on suspicion of murder on Saturday evening.
As he has been arrested under the Terrorism Act, he can be held without charge for up to 14 days.
Watch: Ann Widdecombe murder suspect ‘not known to anti-terror Prevent programme,' says home secretary
09:10 , Bryony GoochGovernment independent terrorism reviewer suggests police broke 'golden rule of investigation'
08:45 , Bryony GoochJonathan Hall KC, the government’s independent reviewer of terrorism, told Times Radio that Devon and Cornwall police “probably broke one of the golden rules of investigations” after the force said there was “nothing to suggest” the alleged murder of Ann Widdecombe “was politically motivated”.
Mr Hall said: “I don’t understand why Devon and Cornwall police were steering the public away from the idea that this was a terrorist case and I don’t know why they didn’t simply say they had an open mind as to the motivation. I think they probably broke one of the golden rules of investigations, which is not to comment on live investigations in case new facts emerge. So that aspect is slightly regrettable.”
There may need to be 'another look' at security arrangements for people in public life, Lucy Rigby says
08:29 , Bryony GoochPolitical correspondent Millie Cooke reports:
A government minister has admitted there may need to be "another look" at security arrangements for people in public life following the death of Ann Widdecombe.
Lucy Rigby told Sky News: "The home secretary said yesterday she is going to look at security for former MPs specifically, and there may well be be others, other categories of people who are involved in public life but not currently serving members of the House of Commons or of the House of Lords, where there needs to be another look at the security arrangements which are provided.
"But look, across across the piece, this is it's grim, frankly, that those in public life or those thinking about gaining public life have to consider this."
She added: "I remember exactly where I was when I found out what had happened to Jo Cox... it sticks with you."
Husband of Jo Cox calls on change in culture of political violence
08:00 , Bryony GoochBrendan Cox, the husband of the late MP Jo Cox, has called for improvements to MP’s security and a greater change in algorithmic social media which he claims can legitimise political violence.
Jo Cox, who served as MP for Batley and Spen, was murdered in June 2016 by a far right extremist.
He said: “The security of MPs must be improved - provided on the basis of intelligence & threat level, blind to politics. But improved security cannot solve the problem. We need to change the culture that legitimises political violence including the algorithmic social media that drives it.”
The security of MPs must be improved - provided on the basis of intelligence & threat level, blind to politics. But improved security cannot solve the problem. We need to change the culture that legitimises political violence including the algorithmic social media that drives it.
— Brendan Cox (@MrBrendanCox) July 14, 2026
Critical that we allow police space to conduct probe, minister says
07:40 , Bryony GoochPolitical correspondent Millie Cooke reports:
It’s critical that we allow the police the space to conduct their investigation, a government minister has said.
Chief secretary to the Treasury Lucy Rigby told Sky News: “My heart goes out to her family and friends at the horrific circumstances of her death;
“What is absolutely critical is to protect the integrity of this investigation.”
She added: “It is just critical that we allow the police the space to do that investigation… that is the best way to allow the police to get to where they need to be.”
Jeremy Vine moved to tears on live show after death of Ann Widdecombe as he reveals politician’s final texts
07:30 , Shweta SharmaWhat we can expect today as investigation continues
07:00 , Nicole Wootton-CanePolice are still questioning a suspect over the alleged killing of Ann Widdecombe and terror offences.
Counterterror police rearrested a 28-year-old man on Monday on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.
Detectives will continue to quiz the man today as discussions are expected to continue over security arrangements provided to MPs and ex-MPs.
Detectives 'open-minded' about a possible motive
06:35 , Shweta SharmaDevon and Cornwall Police said detectives remained "open-minded" about a possible motive as counter-terrorism police have taken over the investigation into the attack.
It was after detectives said new information and evidence had emerged, marking a significant shift from the initial assessment of the incident.
They stressed there was "no information to suggest that this is a terrorism-related incident" at that stage, although officers were already receiving support from counter-terrorism policing.
By Monday, counter-terrorism officers formally assumed responsibility for the investigation following the emergence of fresh evidence.
The development came as Reform UK chairman Zia Yusuf accused the government, parliament and police of failing to take threats against his party's MPs seriously.
Writing on Sunday, Yusuf claimed “none of the government, the speaker nor the police care at all about the security of Reform MPs”.
He added: “Several of our MPs have written to the above in recent months about distressing, escalating security concerns, asking for help.
“Their correspondence was not even replied to.”
Recap: Everything that has happened over the last 24 hours
06:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe nature and scope of the police investigation into Ann Widdecombe’s death has changed considerably since police first confirmed the probe on Friday.
On Saturday, Devon and Cornwall Police said they had arrested a 28-year-old man on suspicion of murder.
The force claimed as recently as Sunday that there was no reason to believe the attack on the former prisons minister and Reform party spokesperson was terror-related.
But at around 12:40pm on Monday, Counter Terrorism Policing South East (CTP) said the man in custody had been re-arrested on suspicion of commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.
Later on Monday, home secretary Shabana Mahmood confirmed the man was not known to the anti-extremist Prevent programme.
The suspect remains in custody.
MPs treated equally on safety fears, says Speaker after death of Ann Widdecombe
05:30 , Shweta SharmaCommons speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle said MPs who raise security fears are treated equally regardless of their political stripe, following concerns from a Reform UK spokesman who suggested he was not taking his duties seriously.
Speaking in parliament after the death of Ann Widdecombe, he said MPs’ concerns were always “passed on to the security people to deal with”.
Zia Yusuf, Reform’s home affairs spokesman, had claimed in a post on X that MPs from his party were not being given protection.
Man still in custody on suspicion of terror offences
05:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneA 28-year-old man initially arrested on suspicion of Ann Widdecombe’s murder remains in custody this morning.
Police initially arrested the man on suspicion of murder Saturday. He was rearrested by counterterrorism police on Monday on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.
The fresh arrest will likely give officers longer to question him as suspects can be held for up to 14 days without charge under the Terrorism Act.
Conservative MPs demand crackdown on social media hate
04:30 , Shweta SharmaThe death of former Conservative minister Ann Widdecombe has reignited concerns over the growing tide of online abuse directed at politicians, prompting fresh calls for the government to force social media companies to do more to curb hateful and violent content.
During a debate in parliament, MPs from across the Conservative Party argued that tech platforms must be held accountable for allowing hostile and abusive posts to flourish online, warning that such rhetoric contributes to a climate that puts elected representatives at risk.
Former Conservative leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith urged the government to take stronger action against what he described as "visceral" and violent language circulating on social media.
"We need to reiterate, and the government and the home secretary needs to specify, to all those social media companies they must do something to close down on the visceral, violent language that some people use, attacking personally," he said.
Referring to online reactions following Widdecombe's death, he added that the comments had "shocked" him and warned that this kind of rhetoric was "the root of violence and death."
Conservative MP Mark Francois echoed those concerns, saying politicians had always needed resilience but that the online environment had become increasingly toxic.
"You always needed a thick skin to come into politics; you now need the hide of a rhino," he said, arguing that social media companies have a responsibility to reduce the level of hate directed at MPs and their families.
Another Conservative MP, Mark Pritchard, suggested that technology companies had escaped the level of scrutiny faced by traditional media.
"For too long, the mainstream media of this country have been blamed," he said, arguing that large technology firms possess the resources to do far more to tackle abusive content on their platforms.
Responding to the debate, home secretary Shabana Mahmood acknowledged the concerns raised by MPs and suggested that existing measures may not go far enough.
"Many members have made this point today about the unaccountability of social media platforms for their algorithms and for the type of content that they host on their platforms," she said. While noting that the government had already taken steps to regulate online platforms, Mahmood added: "I'm sure we will have to go further."
Watch: Man ‘with stick left house linked to Widdecombe murder suspect and drove away’
04:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneAnn Widdecombe murder suspect: What we know as man re-arrested by counterterror police
03:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneA suspect in Ann Widdecombe’s murder investigation has been re-arrested after a manhunt following the discovery of her body at home last week.
Counterterror police are now leading the investigation into her death, after saying on Monday that “new information and evidence has come to light”.
Ms Widdecombe, a former Conservative minister and later Reform UK spokeswoman, was found dead at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor at about 11.40am on Thursday after sustaining serious injuries.
It is believed that the veteran politician was attacked on Wednesday at around 12.30pm, Devon and Cornwall Police have said previously.
You can read everything we know about the suspect below:
Ann Widdecombe: What we know about suspect re-arrested by counterterror police
Ann Widdecombe’s murder suspect ‘not known’ to Prevent scheme, says home secretary
02:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe suspect in Ann Widdecombe’s murder “was not known” to the Prevent anti-extremism programme, the home secretary Shabana Mahmood has told MPs.
Ms Mahmood was updating Parliament hours after counter-terrorism police announced they are now leading the investigation into the former Conservative minister’s death.
A 28-year-old white British man is being held on suspicion of murdering the veteran politician, and has also been re-arrested on suspicion of commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.
You can read more below:
Ann Widdecombe’s murder suspect ‘not known’ to Prevent scheme, says home secretary
Everything counterterrorism police said as they launch probe into Ann Widdecombe's death
01:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneCounterterrorism police are now heading up the investigation into Ann Widdecombe’s death after “new evidence” came to light.
Speaking on Monday, head of national counter terrorism policing, Laurence Taylor, 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 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.”
Recap: Ann Widdecombe’s murder investigation becomes terror probe as suspect rearrested
Tuesday 14 July 2026 00:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneCounterterrorism detectives are now leading the investigation into the murder of veteran politician Ann Widdecombe after “new information and evidence” came to light, marking a major escalation in the probe into the former MP’s death.
A 28-year-old suspect, who was first detained on Saturday, has been rearrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.
He is reported to have driven about 430km (270 miles) after being seen on CCTV climbing into a red car in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, with a wooden stick on the day of the politician’s death.
The 78-year-old was discovered with serious injuries in her remote Devon home at 11.40am the following morning.
You can read more below:
Ann Widdecombe’s murder investigation becomes terror probe as suspect rearrested
Watch: Counter terrorism police take over investigation into Ann Widdecombe’s death after arrest
Monday 13 July 2026 23:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneAnn Widdecombe’s missing hours revealed that could hold key to finding her killer
Monday 13 July 2026 22:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneAnn Widdecombe suddenly stopped responding to messages moments before she was due to appear on air for interview on Wednesday, the day before she was found at her dead at her Dartmoor home.
Ms Widdecombe, 78, was set to be a guest on 5 Daytime on Wednesday afternoon but stopped replying to the broadcaster and did not turn up for her slot, according to Channel 5 presenter Dan Walker.
“The team contacted her agent to ask them to check in on her. This information has been passed to police as it's part of the investigation,” he said in a post on social media.
You can read more below:
Ann Widdecombe’s missing hours revealed that could hold key to finding her killer
MPs say they are 'looking over their shoulders' after Ann Widdecombe's death
Monday 13 July 2026 21:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneMPs have spoken about their own safety concerns after the killing of Ann Widdecombe, as one Conservative MP warned parliamentarians were more likely to be killed than members of the army or police.
Responding to a statement in the House of Commons about the former Conservative minister’s killing last week, Tory MP Sir Bernard Jenkin (Harwich and North Essex) recalled the statistic as he added: “None of us want our homes to be turned into fortresses but maybe more people need to be encouraged to put, for example, security gates on the fronts of their houses and to have security cameras watching and recording what is going on, rather than relying on the Ring doorbell.”
Labour MP for Monmouthshire Catherine Fookes said: “I’m sure I was not the only one this weekend who went about my business in the constituency looking over my shoulder more than I normally would, and it’s terrible that it’s the third ex-member of this Parliament to be murdered. But it shouldn’t be like this.”
Ms Fookes added: “It does seem that security fobs, and security in our houses is not really enough.”
Conservative MP Sir Julian Lewis (New Forest East) told MPs he had previously worked with colleagues on greater privacy rules for MPs’ home addresses.
Labour MP Helena Dollimore (Hastings and Rye) said she was concerned about pictures of MPs’ homes being broadcast by media organisations. Sir Julian said: “Whatever else you do, keep your home addresses as private as you possibly can.”
Responding to Ms Fookes, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said: “There are a number of measures that are taken and that for local policing as well as working with the Parliamentary Security Department there is an offer for all members of Parliament and specific risk assessments.”
PM in waiting Andy Burnham pays tribute to Ann Widdecombe
Monday 13 July 2026 21:00 , Nicole Wootton-CanePrime minister in waiting Andy Burnham has paid tribute to former Tory and Reform heavyweight Ann Widdecombe, saying his and the PLP’s thoughts go out to her friends and family and all who loved her.
He said that “this is a moment to come together, think of her family and ensure the police have the resources and space they need to ensure justice is brought following this appalling act of violence.”
It comes as Mr Burnham addressed MPs during a one-candidate leadership hustings to MPs over Zoom on Monday. The hustings took place as Mr Burnham was confirmed at the next prime minister after receiving an extra 27 nominations from Labour MPs on Monday, taking his total to 349.
