Former Conservative MP and Reform politician Ann Widdecombe, 78, was found dead with serious injuries at her home in Haytor, Devon, southwest England. Her body was discovered by the ambulance service at 11:40 am on Thursday, July 9.
A 28-year-old white British national was arrested in South Yorkshire on Saturday in connection with the death. Another man, aged 26, was detained on Friday but has since been released from custody and dismissed from the investigation. Police initially stated that there was no evidence the killing was politically motivated or related to terrorism.
However, British counter-terrorism police have now taken over the investigation after new information and evidence came to light. Interior Minister Shabana Mahmood confirmed the shift on Monday. The 28-year-old suspect has since been re-arrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation, or instigation of acts of terrorism. Authorities are pursuing multiple lines of enquiry to establish the motivation for the attack.