The investigation into the death of the Reform UK spokesperson is still moving fast
The murder of Ann Widdecombe was not “politically motivated”, police have said. The force investigating the brutal attack is also “not looking for anyone else” in connection with her death, following a second arrest linked to the case.
A press conference was held at Devon and Cornwall Police headquarters in Exeter on Sunday where detectives gave an update on the investigation. The former MP and MEP was found dead in a “pool of blood” in the kitchen of her home in Haytor, Dartmoor on July 9 having suffered “serious injuries” consistent with being repeatedly struck with a blunt object, reports the Daily Star.
A 28-year-old man has been arrested in South Yorkshire in connection with the 78-year-old’s death. The suspect, a man who is a white British national and has not yet been named, is now in police custody.
On Friday, Devon and Cornwall Police said a 26-year-old man, initially arrested in connection with the death of the former Conservative prisons minister, was released without charge and is no longer part of the investigation.
Miss Widdecombe was scheduled to appear on Channel 5’s Matt Allwright show on Wednesday, but failed to turn up prompting concerns for her welfare. She last appeared on TalkTV on Wednesday, just one day before her body was discovered.
Devon and Cornwall Police Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman said at the press conference: “Shortly after 9pm on Saturday the 11th of July, a 28-year-old white British man was arrested at an address in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, on suspicion of the murder of Ms Widdecombe.
“We were supported by officers from Counter Terrorism Police North East and South Yorkshire Police who carried out the arrest on behalf of Devon and Cornwall.
“Ms Widdecombe’s family have been informed of the updates and continue to be supported by our specialist officers. Our thoughts remain with her family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.
“At this point there is still no information to suggest that this is a terrorism related incident. And at this point, we are not looking for anyone else in connection with this murder.
“We retain primacy of this investigation and detectives remain open-minded about the potential motive. At this stage, there is nothing to suggest that it was politically motivated.”
He added: “The cordon is still in place as officers continue enquiries at the scene and we anticipate that this will be the case for the next few days.
“The local community can also expect to see a heightened police presence in the coming weeks to provide reassurance to them. However, I wish to reassure you that we do not have any information to suggest that there is any wider threat to the public at this time.”
He went on to say: “Again, I urge people not to share or engage with that speculation. It’s unhelpful. It doesn’t aid our investigation, and particularly, it’s distressing to the family and friends of Miss Widdecombe.
“We understand that there is a huge appetite for information, but progressing and protecting the integrity of our investigation is paramount now.
“We recognise there is still some way to go in this case, and the release of any information will be a decision made on an operational basis.”
Miss Widdecombe served as a Conservative MP from 1987 to 2010 for the Kent seat of Maidstone, later Maidstone and the Weald, and occupied various ministerial roles under Sir John Major’s administration.
Following her departure from Parliament, she took part in the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing in 2010, dancing with Anton du Beke, and made it through to the semi-finals courtesy of viewer support.
She joined Nigel Farage’s Brexit Party in 2019 and worked as an MEP for South West England in Brussels from 2019 to 2020.
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Miss Widdecombe took on the role of immigration and justice spokesperson for Mr Farage’s Reform UK and continued her media work.
She had been in contact with a programme researcher from Channel 5, but went silent when they attempted to reach her for a Zoom interview from her home.
She last sent a message at 12.19pm on Wednesday acknowledging she had received a Zoom link to appear on the programme, which read “Received! Panic Over!”
Phone calls and text messages sent following the broadcast went unanswered and the Channel 5 programme’s production team contacted her representative later on Wednesday and again on Thursday.
The force said it is believed Miss Widdecombe was attacked on Wednesday at about 12.30pm, nearly 24 hours before she was found.
Miss Widdecombe’s personal driver of 10 years, Peter Horrell, lay flowers in front of her home on Saturday.
Speaking to reporters, Mr Horrell said the politician “never mentioned any fear” for her safety and loved living in Haytor.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage also visited the village to pay tribute to Miss Widdecombe on Saturday.
He told reporters that the party has been going through its emails to check for patterns of abuse directed at Miss Widdecombe, but has not been able to find anything.
Reform’s MPs are now being given 24-hour security protection following her death, it has been reported.
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