The investigation into the murder of Ann Widdecombe, the former Conservative minister and Reform UK spokeswoman, has been taken over by British counterterrorism police after what officials described as “new information and evidence” emerged. A 28-year-old white British man, initially arrested on suspicion of murder in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, has been re-arrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism, Counter Terrorism Policing South East confirmed on Monday. The suspect is believed to have driven approximately 400 kilometres from his home to Widdecombe’s isolated bungalow in Devon on the morning of the attack, with CCTV footage obtained by UK media showing him placing a long wooden object into a red car before departing. Police now believe the 78-year-old was fatally assaulted around midday on Wednesday, nearly 24 hours before her body was discovered with severe head injuries.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood told the House of Commons that the suspect was not known to the government’s anti-extremism Prevent programme, and she announced a review of security guidance for current and former members of parliament. The head of National Counter Terrorism Policing, Laurence Taylor, stated that investigators are “pursuing multiple lines of enquiry to establish the motivation for this attack.” The shift in the investigation’s direction marks a departure from the position held by Devon and Cornwall Police as recently as Sunday, when Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman said there was “nothing to suggest” a political motive or terrorism link, and that no wider threat to the public was identified.

Viewed from Westminster, the killing has intensified a debate over the safety of public figures, coming after the murders of MPs Jo Cox in 2016 and David Amess in 2021. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who visited the scene and laid flowers, has publicly questioned the initial police assessment, describing the death as a “premeditated murder” and asserting that politicians in Britain are inadequately protected. Party sources, cited in British press reports, accused the police of “gaslighting” the public and are reviewing correspondence sent to Widdecombe in the weeks before her death for any threats. Widdecombe, a prominent Eurosceptic who served as a Conservative MP from 1987 to 2010 before joining the Brexit Party and later Reform UK, was known for her socially conservative positions and had recently appeared on a televised tour of her home, re-broadcast days before the attack.

Forensic teams remain at the suspect’s address in Rotherham, where neighbours described a heavy police presence and the removal of a red car. The suspect, described by local residents as reserved and rarely leaving the house, is the youngest of three brothers and is reported to have lived at the property for at least a year. Police have said they are not seeking any other individuals in connection with the killing. The investigation is now being led by the South East counterterrorism unit, with Taylor emphasising that the priority is to progress the inquiry “quickly, with all the capabilities we have available.” The Home Office is expected to issue updated safety guidance to MPs in the coming days, while the police continue to appeal for public information.