Ann Widdecombe suspect ‘was not known’ to Prevent, says Home Secretary
The Home Secretary has confirmed the man arrested over Ann Widdecombe’s death was not previously known to the Government’s Prevent programme as counter-terrorism police continue investigating the former minister’s killing.
The 28-year-old man arrested over the murder of Ann Widdecombe “was not known” to the Government’s Prevent anti-extremism programme.
Former Conservative minister and Reform UK immigration and justice spokesperson Ann, who was 78, was found dead at her isolated bungalow in Haytor, Devon, on Thursday (09.07.26) morning after suffering severe head injuries.
Counter-terrorism police took over the investigation after officers uncovered what they described as “new information and evidence”.
A 28-year-old white British man, who was initially arrested on suspicion of murder, has since been re-arrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.
Police are pursuing multiple lines of inquiry to establish a motive and have said there is no wider threat to the public.
Addressing MPs, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the suspect “was not known” to Prevent, the programme designed to identify people at risk of radicalisation.
The MP added counter-terrorism detectives are “pursuing multiple lines of inquiry” to establish the motive behind the attack.
She also said more details would be released as soon as they could be shared without harming any future trial.
The Home Secretary added ministers and police had learned lessons from last summer about releasing information quickly while protecting criminal proceedings.
She also revealed the Government is reviewing security arrangements for former MPs who remain active in politics.
The review will also consider politicians from parties that are not represented in the House of Commons.
Ms Mahmood said Ann’s death had raised wider questions over how public figures outside Parliament should be protected.
She added officials would work with Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle and political parties to consider whether changes are needed.
The politician also revealed Nigel Farage has been offered a meeting with the body responsible for the security of politicians following concerns over the safety of Reform UK MPs.
Ms Mahmood said she recognised the worries felt by Reform following Ann’s death.
The Home Secretary invited Farage to meet the chair of the Royal and VIP Executive Committee, the Home Office body responsible for overseeing security arrangements for people in public life.
She also said she would review what security advice could be offered to former MPs in the wake of Ann’s death.
The investigation into Ann’s murder continues after reports said the suspect is believed to have travelled about 270 miles from Rotherham to Ann’s home carrying a “wooden stick” on the day she died. He is understood to have lived alone with his dog but is believed to have family connections in south-west England.
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp has urged the public not to speculate about Ann’s death, warning it could make the work of police more difficult and prejudice any future trial.
He thanked officers for releasing information about the suspect, saying transparency helps prevent misinformation from spreading.
Paying tribute, Chris said Ann “always fearlessly spoke her mind” and never worried whether her views were popular or fashionable.
He added: “She always said exactly what she believed and exactly what she thought. Her integrity and her fortitude were unmatched.”
Chris said Britain needed people willing to enter public life and speak openly despite the risks.
He added: “Debate and disagreement are what make our country great. Ann Widdecombe exemplified that every minute of her life.”
Ann’s death was announced by her management on Friday (10.07.26) morning before police later confirmed they had launched a murder investigation.
A 26-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder was released without further action the following day.
The 28-year-old suspect remains in custody after being re-arrested under terrorism legislation.
Ann served as Conservative MP for Maidstone from 1987 before representing Maidstone and The Weald until standing down in 2010.
She later served as a minister in Sir John Major’s government, became a Brexit Party MEP and subsequently joined Reform UK, where she served as the party’s immigration and justice spokesperson from 2023 until her death.
Outside politics, she became widely known through appearances on Strictly Come Dancing in 2010 and Celebrity Big Brother in 2018.
