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Ann Widdecombe killing: police investigating possible leftwing motivation
Police outside the house of Ann Widdecombe in Haytor, Dartmoor, as the investigation into her murder continues. Photograph: Oscar Rihil/PA View image in fullscreen Police outside the house of Ann Widdecombe in Haytor, Dartmoor, as the investigation into her murder continues. Photograph: Oscar Rihil/PA Ann Widdecombe killing: police investigating possible leftwing motivation Detectives examining whether hatred of Widdecombe’s strong views or of Reform party were factors in killing described as a ‘targeted attack’ The police investigation into the death of Ann Widdecombe is examining whether a leftwing or single-issue cause may lie behind her killing, the Guardian has learned. Among issues detectives are investigating are whether a hatred of Widdecombe’s strong views, such as on homosexuality, was a factor. They are also examining whether extreme hostility to the Reform UK party played a role. Counter-terrorism police (CTP) took over the investigation on Monday from the local Devon and Cornwall force, and rearrested the man on terrorism charges. CTP assumed control after searches at the suspect’s home and other information gained after his arrest led detectives to believe a possible political motivation warranted further investigation. The news comes as counter-terrorism police said on Tuesday that Widdecombe was killed in a “targeted attack”. Investigators are considering whether leftwing, anarchist and single-issue terrorism (LASIT) played a role in the suspect’s alleged motivation , but are keeping an open mind as new material emerges. Whether those views led to the attack, and whether they could be evidenced, are key parts of the investigation. Sources stress the investigation is at an early stage, and warn that initial assumptions can change as inquiries progress. The inquiry is also looking into the suspect’s history of mental health and neurodivergence. At a press conference on Tuesday afternoon, the head of counter-terrorism policing, assistant commissioner Laurence Taylor, said: “We are working to understand the planning and preparation and the motivation that sits behind the attack.” He said he would not comment on whether the suspected murder was an attack on Reform UK, adding: “I don’t want to rule out anything”. Asked whether other figures associated with the party could have been targeted by the suspect, he said: “That will form a line of investigation to ensure that we are putting all appropriate measures in place to mitigate any threat, should it become apparent. I’m not saying there is or there isn’t at this stage.” “We are working through what the motivation for the attack currently is,” he said. And he said that officers had been granted seven additional days to question the suspect. A 28-year-old man from Rotherham was arrested on Saturday on suspicion of the murder of Widdecombe, formerly a senior Conservative and then Reform spokesperson, in her Devon home. The question of whether a TV appearance might have motivated the
