New Evidence Emerges: UK Former Conservative Minister Murder Case Now Includes Possible Terror Link

(CNA, London, 13th – comprehensive international news report) UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced today that the suspected murder of Ann Widdecombe, a senior right-wing politician and former minister in the UK Conservative government, is now being led by counter-terrorism police after new evidence has emerged.

According to AFP, 78-year-old Widdecombe was found dead at her home in southwest England on the 9th. The Devon and Cornwall Police, initially handling the case, stated on the 11th that there was no information suggesting a link to terrorism. However, the latest announcement by Mahmood confirms that UK police are now investigating terrorism as a possible motive.

Mahmood posted on social media platform X today that, due to 'new information and evidence,' the investigation into Widdecombe’s case is now being led by the UK Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) network. She is scheduled to brief Members of Parliament later today.

Laurence Taylor, Director of the UK Counter Terrorism Policing network, also issued a statement: 'We are investigating along multiple lines to determine the motive behind this attack.'

Devon and Cornwall Police announced late on the 11th that a 28-year-old British man was arrested in Yorkshire, northern England.

Police believe Widdecombe was attacked approximately 24 hours before her body was discovered. The UK's Daily Telegraph reported that a neighbor of the arrested suspect said he left his home in Rotherham on the morning of the 8th carrying a wooden stick.

Widdecombe served as a Conservative Member of Parliament from 1987 to 2010, later holding positions as Minister of State for Prisons and Minister of State for Employment. She was a staunch supporter of Brexit and left the Conservative Party in 2019 to join the hard-right party led by anti-immigration figure Nigel Farage. (Compiled by: Zhang Zhengqian) 1150713