Ann Widdecombe murder latest: Ex-MP killed in targeted attack, counterterror police say

Asked about the involvement of Devon & Cornwall Police, Assistant Commissioner Taylor said: “We have been consulted throughout the course of the investigation but inquiries like this are complex.

“As a result of those inquiries, it was appropriate after the arrest that CTP take over the investigation.”

He added: “We have a complex investigation ongoing. We are not prepared to comment, and will see where the evidence takes us.”

The counterterror police investigation is to “understand nature of that targeting” of Ms Widdecombe, AC Taylor said.

“I won’t go into details of individuals’ background but that forms part of our inquiry,” he added.

The murder has not been declared a terrorist incident but they were investigating terrorist offences, he said.

Asked whether investigators were looking at whether the attack was on the Reform Party and how long it had been planned, Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor said: “We are working through what the motivation for this attack is.”

He said there were a number of enquiries and they did not want to comment at this stage.

“In terms of planning, we are aware there has been some preparation and planning. I don’t want to go into details of extent at this stage,” he said.

He added: “Clearly part of our responsibility when investigating offences of this nature is to establish a threat and to put in place to mitigate any threat should it be apparent.”

Ms Widdecombe’s murder has had a deeply distressing impact on her family, and police are doing everything they can to support them, said head of Counterterrorism Policing Laurence Taylor.

He said Counterterrorism Policing Southeast were now leading the investigation after new information and evidence came to light following the arrest of a 28-year-old man.

Asked whether the suspect was still in Devon or London, Assistant Commissioner Taylor said: “We don’t comment. He is within the custody of CT policing.”

Police investigating Ms Widdecombe’s murder say it is clear it was a targeted attack.

Head of Counterterrorism Policing Laurence Taylor said: “We are still working to understand the extent of any planning or preparation and the motivation behind that attack. I don’t want to comment further on this at this stage.”

He said they had conducted extensive searches at an address in Rotherham.

Amid the death of Ann Widdecombe, Nigel Farage has suggested that Reform UK MPs are vulnerable and need more protection.

The i Paper reported that Mr Farage was offered a security package similar to the level offered to Leader of the Opposition Kemi Badenoch including a bodyguard, car and trained driver last year.

Yet he reportedly turned that down because he considered that to be a downgrade on what he had previously received.

Mr Jenrick told Today: “He initially was given a comprehensive plan, which I think was commensurate with the threat that he faced. I’ve been out and about with Nigel across the country, and I’ve seen the dangers that he faces every day.

“And then that was downgraded.

“I don’t know why. Maybe that will be explained to Nigel when he meets the committee.”

He added: “I do think that politics comes into this because it seems like the Government, parts of the media, are very, very blase about the security of Reform.”

A Home Office spokesman said: “Robert Jenrick’s comments are categorically untrue.

“Neither the Home Secretary, nor ministers are involved in the provision of security for MPs.

“Responsibility for the protective security measures of Members of Parliament lies with the Parliamentary Security Department.

“Nigel Farage has been offered a meeting with the chair of Ravec – the independently chaired committee that manages the security of those in public life.”

Devon and Cornwall’s police and crime commissioner has defended her force from criticism after counter-terror officers were drafted in to take over the Ann Widdecombe murder inquiry.

Counter-terror officers took over running the investigation on Monday following the discovery of the former MP’s body at her home on Dartmoor on Thursday.

The force has faced significant criticism over its initial handling of the inquiry and the fact it was five days in until more senior and experienced counter-terror officers took over from local detectives.

Defending her force, Alison Hernandez said: “As police and crime commissioner, I have personally spoken to the head of counter terrorism, Laurence Taylor, to thank him for the resources he offered early on, and to seek the reassurance that there has been a smooth handover of the investigation.

“There’s been some commentary about the way Devon and Cornwall police have communicated during the early stages of this case but, as the home secretary said yesterday, it is not unusual that in a fast-paced investigation, more information comes to light that changes the nature or the character of what the police are dealing with.

“Since the beginning of this investigation, I have been briefed by the Chief Constable regularly, and I am confident that Devon and Cornwall Police has provided a substantial and professional response to Ann Widdecombe’s death. I am particularly grateful to members of the public, who have provided information and assisted officers in progressing the investigation.

“My thoughts remain with Ann’s family and friends. I have been touched by the stories I have heard from those who lived closed to her on Dartmoor. Whatever you thought of her politics, Ann was an exceptionally likeable character.”

She added: “I have been assured officers and staff will be returning to business as usual over the coming days, which are also expected to be particularly busy with two final legs of the World Cup and the start of school holidays.”