Nigel Farage has been criticised after sharing thoughts about the death of Ann Widdecombe, amid a police murder investigation.
Miss Widdecombe, an ex-Reform UK spokeswoman, was found dead at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor on Thursday morning.
A 28-year-old white British man was arrested on suspicion of murder in Rotherham, 260 miles away, on Saturday evening.
Reform leader Mr Farage is facing criticism for remarks he made to the press in Devon after paying tribute to Miss Widdecombe on Saturday.
He told reporters he believed the attack on her was “premeditated murder” and said a car had appeared on her drive at around 12.25pm on Wednesday.
“I don’t think it pays at this moment in time to speculate,” Mr Farage also said.
Former Conservative MP Harvey Proctor was among those who criticised Mr Farage, telling The Times: “The police have expressly asked the public not to speculate about the motive.
“It is therefore deeply disappointing that Nigel Farage has chosen to do precisely that.”
The Guardian quoted an anonymous Labour minister who said: “We all want the police to have the space to do their job. MPs gobbing off rarely helps the police during an investigation.”
David Gauke, the former Conservative justice secretary, told the newspaper that people in public life “should know better than to speculate publicly”.
Matt Longman, Assistant Chief Constable of Devon and Cornwall Police, on Sunday urged against speculation.
He said: “We are aware of online and public speculation, particularly with regards to motive.
“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.”
Responding to Mr Proctor’s criticisms, Mr Farage told The Times: “Harvey was very close to Ann, I know he is upset, but I was really careful not to be political.
“I was very clear in what I said. I said I would not speculate as to whether it was someone with a grudge, someone with mental health problems or someone with political problems.
“I also said very clearly that I didn’t believe for one moment that it was a burglary that went wrong and I am 100% certain I am right on that.”
