Ann Widdecombe murder latest: Ex-MP ‘clearly’ killed in targeted attack, say counterterror police, as Burnham vows security review – UK Times

The 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.

Politicians 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.”

Police 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.”

The 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.

Andy 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 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.”

Ann 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 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.

Former 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.”