SummaryThe suspect in the Ann Widdecombe case was not known to Prevent – the government's anti-terror programme – the home secretary tells MPs Shabana Mahmood says Widdecombe's death "raises questions about the security of those in public life" Shadow home secretary Chris Philp remembers Widdecombe, 78, as "always formidable, always charming, always entertaining" Earlier, counter terrorism police took over the investigation, with a statement saying this was due to "new information and evidence" A 28-year-old white British man from Rotherham, South Yorkshire was arrested on suspicion of murder on Saturday and has now been re-arrested on suspicion of commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism Widdecombe was found dead at her home in Haytor, Devon on Thursday, having sustained serious injuries Manish PandeyLive reporter
We're closing our coverage of Shabana Mahmood's address in the House of Commons on the death of Ann Widdecombe – you can read a summary of what she told MPs in our earlier post.After the home secretary spoke, there was reaction from across the political spectrum:
Shadow home secretary Chris Philp said Widdecombe "always fearlessly spoke her mind" and that it's important to make sure "public political figures" always receive the "proportionate protection they need"
Published: July 13, 2026 4:25 pm
Source: BBC — Read original