Former British politician Ann Widdecombe was killed in a “targeted attack,” counterterrorism police said, as investigators probe whether the brutal slaying was connected to her political work.
Widdecombe, 78, a Reform UK spokeswoman and former Brexit Party member of the European Parliament, was found dead Thursday at her home in Devon.
A 28-year-old white British man was arrested Saturday in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, on suspicion of murder.
Counterterrorism police took over the investigation Sunday after new evidence emerged, authorities said.
Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor, head of Counter Terrorism Policing, said investigators believe Widdecombe was deliberately targeted.
“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 don’t want to comment further on that motivation or preparation at this stage of our inquiries.”
Taylor said the 28-year-old suspect, from Kimberworth in Rotherham, remains under arrest on suspicion of commission, preparation, or instigation of acts of terrorism.
The man also remains under arrest on suspicion of murder, police said.
BREAKING:
A 26-year-old white British man has been arrested for the murder of former Conservative and Reform UK spokeswoman Ann Widdecombe.
The 78-year-old former politician was found dead with serious injuries at her remote home in Haytor on the edge of Dartmoor.
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) July 10, 2026
Investigators have been granted a warrant of further detention, allowing them to hold the suspect for up to seven days under the Terrorism Act.
Police said they are pursuing multiple lines of inquiry, including digital forensic examinations.
“There are multiple lines of inquiry that we are pursuing expeditiously, and that includes a number of digital forensic examinations.
“It is important to remember that this is a murder investigation following a brutal attack on a 78-year-old lady in her home,” he continued.
Police are also examining whether the suspect may have been targeting Reform UK politicians, calling it a “line of inquiry.”
Authorities have not publicly identified a motive.
Widdecombe was a longtime conservative figure in British politics, known for her blunt views, fierce support for Brexit and later work with Reform UK.
Her death has raised fresh fears about political violence in Britain, where public officials have faced deadly attacks in recent years.
Former Labour MP Jo Cox was murdered in 2016, and Conservative MP David Amess was killed in 2021.
Reform UK figures have demanded answers about whether Widdecombe’s political profile played any role in the attack.
Police are urging the public not to speculate while the investigation continues.
But the takeover by counterterrorism officers and the targeted-attack finding have turned Widdecombe’s death into a major national security case.
For now, one of Britain’s most recognizable right-wing voices is dead, a suspect is in custody and investigators are trying to determine whether politics made her a target.
