A 28-year-old man from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, remains in custody following his arrest on suspicion of murder and terrorism offences in connection with the death of former Conservative minister and Reform UK politician Ann Widdecombe. Widdecombe, 78, was found dead at her remote bungalow in Haytor, Devon, last Thursday morning with serious injuries in what counter-terrorism police have described as a "targeted attack."

The suspect is reported to have travelled approximately 300 miles from South Yorkshire to Devon on July 8. Neighbours said they saw him leave his home around 7 a.m. carrying what appeared to be a partially concealed wooden pole in a red Vauxhall Corsa. Police believe the attack occurred on Wednesday at about 12:30 p.m., shortly before Widdecombe was scheduled to appear on a Channel 5 programme.

Widdecombe’s uncle, 73, described his nephew as a "gentle giant" and said there were no prior warning signs of violent behaviour. He characterized the man as a quiet, polite, and very shy individual, adding that the family was struggling to comprehend the events leading to the former minister's death. Neighbours have also described the suspect as a recluse who rarely left his home.

The investigation is ongoing, with detectives examining whether the suspect had targeted other Reform politicians as part of an alleged extreme-left-wing plot. Following the emergence of new evidence, counter-terrorism officers have taken over the case.

The killing has sparked local anger over the response of political leaders. Sir Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, was criticised by residents and politicians for not visiting the scene in Devon to pay respects. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and other colleagues visited the Moorland Hotel near Widdecombe’s home to lay flowers over the weekend. A placard left among the tributes declared, “Nigel came, where is Keir?”

Farage also claimed that during conversations with Sir Keir Starmer and the Chief Constable of Devon and Cornwall Police, he was told that the incident was being treated as a burglary gone wrong. Farage disputed this, stating that the suspect’s behaviour—parking on the driveway and entering the house—suggested a premeditated murder. He reported receiving significant backlash for voicing this opinion.

Locals have expressed shock and sadness at Widdecombe’s death, describing her as a principled and forthright figure who was respected for her contributions to public life. Baroness Fox of Buckley, a close friend, remarked that the Prime Minister’s absence from the scene appeared to lack courtesy.

Widdecombe was due to appear on television on the day she was attacked. She had served as a Conservative minister before joining Reform UK and was known for her outspoken views. Police continue to pursue lines of inquiry as the investigation progresses.