Police are investigating whether the suspect had plans to target any other Reform UK politicians as part of their probe into the death of Ann Widdecombe.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Counter Terrorism Policing head Laurence Taylor said the question would "form a line of investigation" and that police would work to ensure all politicians are properly protected.
It comes after The Times newspaper reported that detectives reportedly discovered material suggesting that political ideology could be a factor in the motive.
"Clearly, part of our responsibility when investigating offences of this nature is to assure ourselves and therefore the public and others of any extent of threat," Mr Taylor said.
"That will form a line of investigation to ensure that we are putting all appropriate measures in place to mitigate any threat, should it become apparent.
"I'm not saying there is or there isn't at this stage."
He also said the attack on Ms Widdecombe last week was "clearly targeted"
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.
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
- Clear murder was targeted attack, says terror police chief
- Police to probe whether suspect planned to target other politicians
- Police 'keeping open mind' on foreign state interference idea
- Burnham says there should be a 'serious review' of MPs’ security
- Police say Ann Widdecombe's killing comes amid backdrop of 'unprecedented' demand on counterterror policing
Jeremy Vine moved to tears on live show after death of Ann Widdecombe as he reveals politician’s final texts
02:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneJeremy Vine was moved to tears live on air during a discussion about Ann Widdecombe’s death.
Counter-terrorism police are now leading the investigation into the former Conservative minister’s death after new evidence came to light.
The 78-year-old, latterly a Reform UK spokesperson, was found dead at her home in Devon on Thursday (9 July).
A 28-year-old white British man who was arrested on suspicion of her murder on Saturday has since been rearrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation, or instigation of acts of terrorism.
On Monday (13 July), the Channel 5 presenter became emotional after guest Iain Dale recalled how positively Ms Widdecombe spoke of Mr Vine and his team.
“Well, that is too much to hear today. Thank you so much, Iain,” he said as he choked back tears.
Mr Vine went on to explain that Ms Widdecombe was scheduled to make an appearance on Channel 5’s Matt Allwright show on Wednesday (8 July) but stopped returning messages, which he read out live on air.
Jeremy Vine moved to tears on live show after death of Ann Widdecombe
Comment: After the killing of Ann Widdecombe, Count Binface is suddenly a lot less funny
01:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe former MP’s murder has rekindled the debate over how to protect our politicians – and turned the Clacton by-election into a sombre affair, says John Rentoul.
After the killing of Ann Widdecombe, Count Binface is suddenly a lot less funny
Ann Widdecombe’s final messages sent minutes before death revealed
00:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneAnn Widdecombe stopped responding to text messages just moments before police believe she was attacked, newly released exchanges reveal.
Police said on Saturday that they believe Ms Widdecombe was likely attacked on Wednesday at around 12.30pm, nearly 24 hours before she was found dead at her Dartmoor home.
The former Tory minister had been preparing to appear remotely as a guest on Channel 5’s Matt Allwright show when she suddenly stopped responding to a producer, according to ITV News.
WhatsApp exchanges seen by the broadcaster show the last message from Ms Widdecombe came at 12.19pm, reading: “Received! Panic over!!”
You can read more below:
Ann Widdecombe’s final messages sent minutes before death revealed
Mahmood urged to consider 'buffer zones' outside MPs offices
23:51 , Nicole Wootton-CaneShabana Mahmood has been urged to consider enforcing “buffer zones” around MP’s offices to keep them safe in the wake of Ann Widdecombe’s death.
Speaking to The Telegraph, Lord Walney, the former government adviser on political violence, urged the Home Secretary to adopt the measures which would see nyone breaching the zone faced prosecution and fines enforced by police, councils or other law enforcement agencies.
“We have entered an era in which activists across the political spectrum believe that the importance of their cause justifies intimidation, disruption and, in some cases, violence,” Lord Walney said in a letter to Ms Mahmood.
“Elected representatives are being confronted in ways that go well beyond robust democratic engagement. The disruption of council meetings, constituency surgeries and other democratic forums by organised activists creates an atmosphere of implied physical menace even where no overt violence occurs.
“Such tactics are not designed to win arguments. They are designed to silence, subdue and intimidate those exercising democratic responsibilities.”
Tour of Ann Widdecombe’s Devon house aired on TV days before she was found dead
23:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneA video tour of Ann Widdecombe’s remote Devon home aired on television a week before she was found murdered inside her home.
The former Conservative prisons minister and Reform party spokesperson is understood to have first invited cameras into her bungalow in Haytor, Dartmoor, back in 2022.
However, the episode of Celebrity Yorkshire Auction House was re-broadcast on Quest at 6pm on Thursday 2 July, according to listings.
In the show, Widdecombe gives host Angus Ashworth a guided tour of the home, which she purchased for an estimated £600,000 in 2008, including her library and some of her antiques.
You can read more below:
Tour of Ann Widdecombe’s Devon house aired on TV days before she was found dead
Watch: Counter terrorism police take over investigation into Ann Widdecombe's death after arrest
22:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneWhat happened to Ann Widdecombe?
21:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe suspected murder of veteran politician Ann Widdecombe is being investigated as an act of terrorism, police have said.
Counter-terror police (CTP) have re-arrested a 28-year-old man on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism. He was originally taken into custody in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, on Saturday evening on suspicion of murder, after Devon and Cornwall Police had previously said there was nothing to suggest the attack was terrorism-related.
Police were called to Ms Widdecombe’s property in Haytor at around 11.40am on Thursday, nearly 24 hours after she abruptly stopped responding to messages minutes before a scheduled interview.
CTP said on Monday that “new information and evidence” had come to light, which meant they were now leading the investigation and would pursue multiple lines of enquiry to establish the motivation for this attack.
Here’s what we know about what happened to Ann Widdecombe.
What happened to Ann Widdecombe?
Politicians facing ‘horrific’ culture of violence, Cabinet minister says
21:00 , Nicole Wootton-CanePoliticians face a “horrific” culture of violence which has become worse in recent years, a Cabinet minister has warned.
Treasury Chief Secretary Lucy Rigby said it was a “sad and troubling” reality that the threats facing MPs and others in public life had increased.
The alleged murder of former Tory minister and Reform UK spokeswoman Ann Widdecombe has heightened concerns at Westminster about the security risks facing current and former MPs.
Ms Rigby told BBC Breakfast: “There is just this increasing climate of abuse and intimidation, including via social media, and in the very worst cases extreme violence.
“I certainly wish that we didn’t live in a country where this was a fact of life.
“We need Members of Parliament, but everyone involved in public life, to be able to go about their work freely. This is key to living in a democracy.”
She said MPs were offered increased security, adding: “I think it’s really troubling – more than troubling, it’s pretty horrific, really – this increased culture of violence that affects those in public life.
“I know plenty of people of both genders, although they tend to be more women, who have thought to themselves – thought very hard – about standing for Parliament, or even standing to be a councillor for their local authority, because of threats of violence, violent threats involving people’s families.
“It’s horrific that we have to deal with this, but we do.”
Watch: Ann Widdecombe murder suspect ‘not known to anti-terror Prevent programme,' says home secretary
20:30 , Nicole Wootton-CanePolice confirm attack has not been declared terrorist incident
20:00 , Nicole Wootton-CanePolice confirmed on Tuesday that the attack on Ann Widdecombe has not been declared a terrorist incident.
Counterterror officers said they are investigation terrorist offences, but that the murder investigation and the terrorism probe are two separate investigations at this time.
Head of counterterrorism policing Laurence Taylor told reporters: “It is clear that this was a targeted attack.
“We are still working to understand the extent of any planning or preparation, and the motivation that sits behind that attack.
“I wouldn’t want to comment on what that motivation was.
“The two investigations are running in parallel.”
Comment: My MP wife was murdered – I know what is going through Ann Widdecombe’s family’s mind
19:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe death of another political figure has reopened old wounds for Brendan Cox, whose wife was killed by an extremist in 2016. He writes, that unless Britain tackles the mainstreaming of political violence, more lives – and democracy itself – are at risk.
My MP wife was murdered – I know what is going through Ann Widdecombe’s family’s mind
Burnham says there should be a 'serious review' of MPs’ security
19:16 , Nicole Wootton-CaneAndy Burnham has said there should be a “serious review” of MPs’ security following Ann Widdecombe’s killing.
The incoming prime minister said politics has “darkened” in the last decade since he was last in Westminster and protections may need to be “increased further.”
Asked why he thought frontline politics had become so dangerous, the Makerfield MP told reporters in Parliament: “I notice quite a lot of change in the building behind me 10 years away, no more so than on the question of security.
“Actually, I was quite shocked to see how much security now has to be in place, and even so, it may need to be increased further.
“Politics has darkened in the last decade, there’s no getting away from that.
“It’s obviously appalling what happened to Ann. I knew Ann over many years in the House, and you know, we would get along – and everybody would get along.
“But it feels as though something has changed. It’s easy to blame social media, but it feels like it’s having some impact in just building that kind of toxicity that’s around the political debate.”
He said the issue could not be solved by “easy, glib answers,” adding: “I do think we need now a serious review of MPs’ security.
“I certainly am prepared to do that.”
Police to probe whether suspect planned to target other politicians
19:00 , Nicole Wootton-CanePolice are probing whether the suspect had plans to target any other politicians as part of their investigation.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, assistant commissioner Laurence Taylor said: "Clearly, part of our responsibility when investigating offences of this nature is to assure ourselves and therefore the public and others of any extent of threat.
"That will form a line of investigation to ensure that we are putting all appropriate measures in place to mitigate any threat, should it become apparent.
"I'm not saying there is or there isn't at this stage."
Police say Ann Widdecombe's killing comes amid backdrop of 'unprecedented' demand on counterterror policing
18:45 , Nicole Wootton-CaneAnn Widdecombe’s killing comes amid a backdrop of “unprecedented” demand on counterterrorism policing, a senior officer has warned.
Speaking to the press from New Scotland Yard on Tuesday, head of counterterrorism policing Laurence Taylor said the country is facing a “complex and increased threat picture”.
He urged the public to stay vigilant and report anything that doesn’t feel right to officers.
It comes after counterterrorism police were involved in two major operations over the weekend following Ms Widdecombe’s death and an alleged right-wing terror threat to an Islamic event at a country estate in Suffolk.
Police carry out enquiries into trans activist's social media comment
18:20 , Jane DaltonPolice Scotland are carrying out more enquiries into an online comment by someone saying they hoped Ann Widdecombe suffered “an extremely painful death”.
Trans activist Heather Herbert posted the comment on Bluesky in the hours after the former MP’s death was announced.
Sharing a story on Ms Widdecombe’s death, Herbert wrote: “And some good news for once. I hope it was an extremely painful death,” and later added: “And I hope she was handcuffed to the bed as she screamed in agony.”
Police Scotland, who received complaints about the post, at first said no criminality had been established.
But now a spokesperson for the force has said: “We received reports on Saturday 11 July 2026 relating to a post made online.
“Following further assessment, additional enquiries are being carried out.”
Herbert’s Bluesky account has apparently been suspended or deleted.
Boris Johnson 'sorry and shocked' about murder
17:55 , Jane DaltonFormer Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he was very sorry and shocked about the death of “dear colleague” Ann Widdecombe.
“I’m very very sorry and shocked about the murder or what seems to be the murder of Ann who was a dear colleague, I knew her for many, many years,” he said.
She was an “extraordinary politician” and the circumstances of her death were “appalling and unforgivable”, he went on.
“She was an extraordinary politician and a very, very hard act to follow, she left audiences absolutely wrung out with emotion.”
Asked about the security of UK politicians, Mr Johnson said: “Look, I heard what the Home Secretary had to say, and that seemed sensible to me.”
Watch: Devon and Cornwall police defend handling of case
17:20 , Jane DaltonPolice and crime commissioner defends force over investigation criticisms
16:52 , Jane DaltonA police and crime commissioner has defended her force over the early stages of the investigation into the murder of former Conservative minister Ann Widdecombe amid criticisms it had attempted to “massage public opinion”.
Alison Hernandez, the PCC for Devon and Cornwall, said she was confident the force had “provided a substantial and professional response” to the murder.
Counter-terrorism policing is now leading the investigation after new information came to light, despite the Devon and Cornwall force initially saying it was “open minded” about a potential motive but there was nothing to suggest it was political.
Gawain Towler, a senior Reform UK member, on Monday accused police of trying to “massage public opinion”.
Ms Hernandez said: “There’s been some commentary about the way Devon and Cornwall police have communicated during the early stages of this case but, as the Home Secretary said yesterday, it is not unusual that in a fast-paced investigation, more information comes to light that changes the nature or the character of what the police are dealing with.
“Since the beginning of this investigation, I have been briefed by the chief constable regularly, and I am confident that Devon and Cornwall Police has provided a substantial and professional response to Ann Widdecombe’s death.”
Investigators keep 'open mind' over motivation behind attack
16:45 , Nicole Wootton-CaneDetectives investigating Ann Widdecombe's death are keeping an "open mind" over the motivation behind the attack on her in her Devon home, officers sau.
However, they refused to make any comment on whether the suspect may have been motivated by any particular ideology.
"I’m not making any comment on what the motivation is at this stage,” head of counterterrorism policing Laurence Taylor said.
“We are exploring what sits behind this attack and we have an open mind as to what that might be and what the motivation might be.”
Police warn public to think before sharing unverified information
16:39 , Nicole Wootton-CaneDetectives have urged the public to "think" before sharing unverified information about the killing of Ann Widdecombe as they said they had seen significant speculation over her death.
Speaking to reporters at New Scotland Yard on Tuesday, Laurence Taylor said he was very aware of the "significant levels of public interest in the case" due to Ms Widdecombe's status as a high-profile political and public figure.
“I don't intend to address every bit of speculation that we have seen, but I would like to use this opportunity to remind the public that investigations of this time are complex, and that new information can emerge as police progress their inquiries," he said.
“And we do intend to release further information about when it's available, and when it is appropriate to do so.
“So, please allow us to do our job thoroughly and carefully, and think before sharing any unverified information.”
Police 'keeping an open mind' over potential for foreign state interference
16:35 , Nicole Wootton-CanePolice are “retaining an open mind” over the potential that foreign state actors may have played a part in Ann Widdecombe's killing.
When asked if counterterror forces could reassure the public and rule out foreign state interference, Laurence Taylor said detectives were still working through the possible motives for the attack.
"I don't want to rule anything out at this stage, and we're retaining an open mind," he said.
"But I draw you back to my previous answer. We have a very experienced network of individuals working with security partners, and we will continiue to do so, both in terms of progressing this investigation and exploring wider threats across the UK, so that we can respond to those as appropriate."
He added all investigations carried out by counterterrorism police were conducted in partnership with security services.
Inquiry complex but counterterror police 'appropriate', says police chief
16:14 , Jane DaltonAsked about the involvement of Devon & Cornwall Police, Assistant Commissioner Taylor said: “We have been consulted throughout the course of the investigation but inquiries like this are complex.
“As a result of those inquiries, it was appropriate after the arrest that CTP take over the investigation.”
He added: “We have a complex investigation ongoing. We are not prepared to comment, and will see where the evidence takes us.”
We want to understand 'nature' of targeting, say terror police
16:13 , Jane DaltonThe counterterror police investigation is to "understand nature of that targeting" of Ms Widdecombe, AC Taylor said.
"I won't go into details of individuals' background but that forms part of our inquiry," he added.
The murder has not been declared a terrorist incident but they were investigating terrorist offences, he said.
Planning and preparation for murder took place, says police chief
16:11 , Jane DaltonAsked whether investigators were looking at whether the attack was on the Reform Party and how long it had been planned, Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor said: "We are working through what the motivation for this attack is."
He said there were a number of enquiries and they did not want to comment at this stage.
"In terms of planning, we are aware there has been some preparation and planning. I don't want to go into details of extent at this stage," he said.
He added: “Clearly part of our responsibility when investigating offences of this nature is to establish a threat and to put in place to mitigate any threat should it be apparent.”
Murder deeply distressing for family, says police chief
16:10 , Jane DaltonMs Widdecombe's murder has had a deeply distressing impact on her family, and police are doing everything they can to support them, said head of Counterterrorism Policing Laurence Taylor.
He said Counterterrorism Policing Southeast were now leading the investigation after new information and evidence came to light following the arrest of a 28-year-old man.
Asked whether the suspect was still in Devon or London, Assistant Commissioner Taylor said: “We don't comment. He is within the custody of CT policing.”
Clear murder was targeted attack, says terror police chief
16:07 , Jane DaltonPolice investigating Ms Widdecombe’s murder say it is clear it was a targeted attack.
Head of Counterterrorism Policing Laurence Taylor said: “We are still working to understand the extent of any planning or preparation and the motivation behind that attack. I don't want to comment further on this at this stage.”
He said they had conducted extensive searches at an address in Rotherham.
Recap: Farage rejected 'security package similar to Kemi Badenoch'
15:15 , Bryony GoochAmid the death of Ann Widdecombe, Nigel Farage has suggested that Reform UK MPs are vulnerable and need more protection.
The i Paper reported that Mr Farage was offered a security package similar to the level offered to Leader of the Opposition Kemi Badenoch including a bodyguard, car and trained driver last year.
Yet he reportedly turned that down because he considered that to be a downgrade on what he had previously received.
Mr Jenrick told Today: “He initially was given a comprehensive plan, which I think was commensurate with the threat that he faced. I’ve been out and about with Nigel across the country, and I’ve seen the dangers that he faces every day.
“And then that was downgraded.
“I don’t know why. Maybe that will be explained to Nigel when he meets the committee.”
He added: “I do think that politics comes into this because it seems like the Government, parts of the media, are very, very blase about the security of Reform.”
A Home Office spokesman said: “Robert Jenrick’s comments are categorically untrue.
“Neither the Home Secretary, nor ministers are involved in the provision of security for MPs.
“Responsibility for the protective security measures of Members of Parliament lies with the Parliamentary Security Department.
“Nigel Farage has been offered a meeting with the chair of Ravec – the independently chaired committee that manages the security of those in public life.”
Google AI meant it took me 9 seconds to find Ann Widdecombe’s full address and directions to her house
15:00 , Bryony Gooch
Google AI gave me Ann Widdecombe’s full address in 9 seconds
Watch: Ann Widdecombe gave interview defending Nigel Farage minutes before killing
14:54 , Bryony GoochDevon and Cornwall police chief defends force against criticism over communications
14:38 , Bryony GoochDevon and Cornwall’s police and crime commissioner has defended her force from criticism after counter-terror officers were drafted in to take over the Ann Widdecombe murder inquiry.
Counter-terror officers took over running the investigation on Monday following the discovery of the former MP’s body at her home on Dartmoor on Thursday.
The force has faced significant criticism over its initial handling of the inquiry and the fact it was five days in until more senior and experienced counter-terror officers took over from local detectives.
Defending her force, Alison Hernandez said: “As police and crime commissioner, I have personally spoken to the head of counter terrorism, Laurence Taylor, to thank him for the resources he offered early on, and to seek the reassurance that there has been a smooth handover of the investigation.
“There’s been some commentary about the way Devon and Cornwall police have communicated during the early stages of this case but, as the home secretary said yesterday, it is not unusual that in a fast-paced investigation, more information comes to light that changes the nature or the character of what the police are dealing with.
“Since the beginning of this investigation, I have been briefed by the Chief Constable regularly, and I am confident that Devon and Cornwall Police has provided a substantial and professional response to Ann Widdecombe’s death. I am particularly grateful to members of the public, who have provided information and assisted officers in progressing the investigation.
“My thoughts remain with Ann’s family and friends. I have been touched by the stories I have heard from those who lived closed to her on Dartmoor. Whatever you thought of her politics, Ann was an exceptionally likeable character.”
She added: “I have been assured officers and staff will be returning to business as usual over the coming days, which are also expected to be particularly busy with two final legs of the World Cup and the start of school holidays.”
Watch: Ann Widdecombe murder suspect ‘not known to anti-terror Prevent programme,' says home secretary
14:30 , Bryony GoochAnn Widdecombe murder probe: How police broke ‘golden rule’ by dismissing terror link too soon
14:00 , Bryony Gooch
How police broke ‘golden rule’ by dismissing terror link too soon in Widdecombe probe
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."
