Counterterrorism police probe death of former minister Ann Widdecombe

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LONDON — Counterterrorism police will lead the investigation into the death of former Conservative minister Ann Widdecombe.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said in a post on X Monday that police are now considering a terrorist motive for the attack.

Police had previously said that there was no information to suggest there was a political motivation, and that they had ruled out treating Widdecombe’s death as a terrorist incident.

Widdecombe, 78, was found dead in her home in Devon Thursday, and a 28-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder on Sunday.

He is in custody and is now being investigated on suspicion of commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.

In a statement , Devon and Cornwall Police said: “New information and evidence has come to light during what has been a dynamic and complex investigation and as a result, Counter Terrorism Policing South East (CTPSE) is now leading the investigation.”

This is a developing story.