UK counter-terrorism police label murder of former MP Ann Widdecombe a targeted attack
Police say the killing of former Conservative MP and Reform UK spokesperson Ann Widdecombe was a targeted act, and a terrorism investigation is now underway.
Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor, who leads counter-terrorism policing in the United Kingdom, told reporters that the killing of 78-year-old former MP Ann Widdecombe was a "targeted attack". He said investigators are still assessing the level of planning involved and the motive behind the incident.
A white British man was arrested on suspicion of murder on Saturday and later re-arrested on suspicion of "commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism" after counter-terrorism officers took over the case on Monday. Taylor declined to comment on any ideological motive, describing the inquiry as complex and noting that it would be premature to assign a specific motive.
The terrorism probe is proceeding alongside the standard murder investigation. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said new information had altered the character of the inquiry, adding that the suspect was not known to the UK's Prevent counter-terrorism programme and urging the public to provide any relevant tips.
Widdecombe, a former Conservative MP for Maidstone and later a spokesperson for Reform UK, was also known for her appearances on television programmes such as "Big Brother" and "Strictly Come Dancing". Her death has raised renewed concerns about the security of public officials in Britain, which has seen two serving MPs murdered in the past decade.