26-year-old arrested over the murder of Ann Widdecombe, British police rule out terrorism

A 26-year-old man has been arrested by British police on suspicion of murdering former Conservative minister Ann Widdecombe, who was found dead at her home on Thursday.

According to Devon and Cornwall Police, the detained individual is a white British national and is suspected of being linked to the incident. Authorities said the 78-year-old was found at her home with severe injuries, while the investigation is being conducted as a murder case.

Police have made clear that at this stage of the investigation the case is not being treated as an act of terrorism and that there is no evidence pointing to a political motive for the crime.

The killing has sparked strong reactions across the British political scene. Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the murder investigation “shocking news,” while saying the suspect is “clearly a dangerous person.”

Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch also reacted after the arrest, saying she was “shocked” by the incident and describing it as “terrible.”

Ann Widdecombe was considered one of the best-known names in British politics. She served as a Conservative Party MP for 23 years, representing the Maidstone area in Kent, and later took on the role of spokesperson for Reform UK.

Her management said that her family and relatives have gone through “24 very traumatic and painful hours.” In the first reaction after news of her death, no details were given about the place, time and circumstances in which the former minister lost her life.

Meanwhile, the investigation is continuing and British authorities are working to fully clarify the motive and circumstances of this incident, which has shocked public opinion in the United Kingdom.