Ann Widdecombe murder latest: Suspect investigated for possible targeting of Reform politicians – UK Times

Andy Burnham has said a “serious review” was needed into MPs’ security following the suspected murder of Ann Widdecombe.

The incoming prime minister said politics has “darkened” in the near 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 for serving and former politicians, the recently elected Makerfield MP told reporters outside the Commons: “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.”

Police will continue to quiz the man arrested on suspicion of Ann Widdecombe’s death on Wednesday.

Officers confirmed they have been granted a warrant of further detention under the Terrorism Act, which allows them to hold the suspect for seven days from the date of his arrest.

Meanwhile, questions over the safety and security of politicians and former politicians are expected to continue.

Police have provided some significant updates into their murder investigation into the death of Ann Widdecombe over the last 24 hours.

On Tuesday, Counter Terrorism Policing, who are leading the probe, said a 28-year-old white male suspect remains in police custody for questioning. He was arrested on suspicion of murder and terrorism offences.

Detectives held a press conference on Tuesday where they said the attack on Ms Widdecombe was “clearly targeted”.

They also said they could not rule out foreign actors playing a role in Ms Widdecombe’s killing, but would not give detail on any specific motivation.

Google’s AI policy says it restricts personal information such as addresses from its AI summaries – but Ann Widdecombe’s Haytor address was spelled out in full.

Jacqui Merrington reports:

Jeremy 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.

The 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.

Ann 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!!”