Counter terror police are reviewing the security arrangements of former MPs as part of the Ann Widdecombe murder investigation, The i Paper understands.
The former Conservative MP and Reform spokesperson was found dead at her home in the village of Haytor in Devon on Thursday, 9 July.
Police believe she was attacked at around 12.30pm on Wednesday 8 July and the investigation is now being led by Counter Terrorism Policing South East (CTPSE).
A 28-year-old man from Rotherham has been arrested on suspicion of Widdecombe’s murder and on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.
Devon and Cornwall Police had initially played down any suggestion the alleged killing could be politically-motivated or terrorism.
CTPSE said it took over the investigation as a result of “new information and evidence” which has come to light since the suspect was arrested on Saturday, 11 July and they now believe Widdecombe was the victim of a “targeted attack”.
Laurence Taylor, head of UK Counter Terrorism Policing, has refused to confirm what category of ideology may be involved in the investigation – despite reports of material discovered in the suspect’s home that may suggest a link to leftwing extremism.
However, he confirmed that examining whether other politicians may have been under threat is a line of inquiry.
Police investigating the death of former MP Ann Widdecombe have said they ‘are not looking for anyone else’ after a 28-year-old man was arrested in Rotherham, South Yorkshire (Photo: Dave Higgens/PA)Thousands of former MPs may be unknown to their local police force
Widdecombe, who was 78, was no longer a serving MP, having initially retired from politics in 2010 before returning to join the Brexit Party in 2019.
The alleged murder has sparked concern across the political spectrum, with Reform UK criticising what it sees as insufficient security protection for frontline politicians.
The party is calling for at least £100m to be made available for extra security for all MPs.
The i Paper understands that security arrangements are already being reviewed across the House of Commons and House of Lords following Widdecombe’s death.
However, the situation surrounding politicians who are no longer actively serving in either chamber presents a unique challenge.
Research published by the Commons Library this week shows there are currently 1,291 living former members of the House of Commons.
They range widely in age, circumstances and location across the country.
The i Paper understands counter terror police have been making inquiries with local authorities as to whether there are any former MPs in their area that may not have made themselves known to their police force.
A 28-year-old man remains under arrest over the death of Ann Widdecombe, who was a former Tory MP and Reform UK spokeswoman (Photo: Ben Stansall/AFP)‘We are all waiting with baited breath to find out the details’
Lawrie Quinn, the former MP for Scarborough and Whitby, is the current chair of the Association of Former Members of Parliament, a voluntary organisation which supports former MPs when they have finished their service.
He confirmed the Speaker’s office, which has administrative responsibility for MP’s security, has been in touch since Widdecombe’s alleged murder.
“We did have an email which we passed on to our members,” he told The i Paper. “It’s been a reminder of the support that’s available and the mechanisms for asking for particular support.
“It’s going to be unique for each member of Parliament or former member.
“I know of one member who has been very, very complimentary about her local force who have been in touch since last Friday, checking the facilities she had.
“I would say to any former member of Parliament that if they haven’t already got a relationship with their local force they should reach out to a person in senior management and make them aware of where they are what their concerns are.”
While police have yet to indicate whether they believe any other individual may have been under threat or not, Quinn said he would expect them to be notified if that was the case.
“I believe if there was a real immediate concern about someone’s situation, I know they would get in touch with the relevant force,” he added.
“We will be very interested to see what comes out of the [police] inquiry – the only thing you can express is concern and puzzle. We are all waiting with baited breath to find out what the details are.”
He added that the thoughts of all former Parliamentarians are with Widdecombe’s family.
A spokesperson for Counter Terrorism Policing South East said: “This has been a fast-paced investigation, and as per normal police procedure we will follow all lines of enquiry.
“It would not be appropriate to provide a running commentary on the status of our investigation, and we will release further information when it is appropriate to do.”
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