Counter-terrorism police are now leading the investigation into the death of veteran politician Ann Widdecombe.
The head of UK counter-terrorism policing, Laurence Taylor, said that new information and evidence had come to light during the police investigation into her murder.
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.
Police could be allowed to hold him for up to 14 days for questioning under terrorism legislation if needed.
Footage was shared with media outlets including the Sun newspaper and Sky News showing a man with no top on being arrested and led away from a house in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, on Saturday.
Speaking in the House of Commons on Monday, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the suspect was not known to the Government anti-extremism scheme Prevent.
She said Miss Widdecombe was “one of those rare politicians who was bigger than politics”, and that the circumstances of the former Maidstone MP’s death were “extremely distressing”.
The Home Secretary told MPs: “Today is a dark day in our political life, but we must also use it as an opportunity to celebrate Ann Widdecombe’s memory.
“She was a unique figure in our politics, a distinctive and devoted public servant, the likes of whom we will rarely, if ever, see again.
“Ann had a profound faith. Her journey in this life has ended too soon. May she now rest in eternal peace.”
Former Conservative minister and Reform UK spokeswoman Miss Widdecombe, 78, was found dead at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor at about 11.40am on Thursday after sustaining serious injuries.
Investigators in cases of this kind will look through devices owned by the suspect to see if there is any terrorist material, and consider other issues such as their mental health.
If a range of different extremist material has been accessed it can be challenging to decipher one ideology – more than half the referrals to Prevent in the year to the end of March 2025 were for “no fixed ideology”.
Police have urged anyone with information to come forward.
Mr 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.”
Nigel Farage has been offered a meeting with the head of a parliamentary body responsible for politicians’ security amid the party’s concerns about the safety of Reform UK MPs, Ms Mahmood said.
She will also look at security advice for former members of parliament as well as members of parties that do not have MPs.
Information, images or footage can be reported via the Major Incident Public Portal https://mipp.police.uk/operation/50DC26S51-PO1 or to Devon and Cornwall Police on 101.
To remain anonymous, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or online.
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