14th Jul01:20 BSTMP issues grovelling apology after deleting tweetA Labour MP has issued an apology after accusing Nigel Farage of "faux outrage" over Ann Widdecombe's death. Natalie Fleet, minister for safeguarding and violence against women and girls, hit out at Mr Farage and his "gang of bin men" in the aftermath of the former Conservative MP's death.Content cannot be displayed without consent14th Jul00:26 BSTPiers Morgan's nine-word take on Ann Widdecombe caseContent cannot be displayed without consent14th Jul00:21 BSTWATCH: Shabana Mahmood speak in the House of CommonsWatch Shabana Mahmood speak in the House of Commons on the death of Ann Widdecombe.Content cannot be displayed without consent13th Jul23:36 BSTLatest police statement in fullAn update from Devon and Cornwall Police this evening reads:Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) can confirm it is now leading the investigation into the death of Ann Widdecombe.Specialist officers from across the CTP network have been working alongside colleagues in Devon and Cornwall Police since a murder investigation was launched last week. Officers were called to Miss Widdecombe’s home at Haytor, Devon, by the ambulance service at around 11.40am on Thursday 9 July.Sadly, 78-year-old Miss Widdecombe was located deceased within the property. She had sustained serious injuries.A 28-year-old white British man from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, was arrested on suspicion of murder on Saturday 11 July.New information and evidence has come to light during what has been a dynamic and complex investigation and as a result, Counter Terrorism Policing South East (CTPSE) is now leading the investigation.The man in custody has since been re-arrested on suspicion of commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.CTPSE will continue to work closely with colleagues from the Devon and Cornwall Police Major Crime Investigation Team and across the Counter Terrorism Policing network in an effort to establish the full circumstances of the incident which led to this murder investigation.Head of National Counter Terrorism Policing, Laurence Taylor, said: “Building on the progress made by our colleagues in Devon and Cornwall Police, we now have new information and evidence that means Counter Terrorism Policing is now leading the investigation. We are pursuing multiple lines of enquiry to establish the motivation for this attack.“Our priority is progressing this investigation quickly, with all the capabilities we have available to us. If anyone has any information, please share it with the police. We would like to thank local communities, the wider public and the media for their ongoing support and patience, and would ask them to continue to support us in the next stage of the investigation.”Police confirmed they continue to appeal for anyone who may have any information that could help our investigation to get in touch.Any relevant information, images or footage can be reported via the Major Incident Public Portal https://mipp.police.uk/operation/50DC26S51-PO1 or to Devon and Cornwall Police on 101. Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.13th Jul22:58 BSTMPs treated equally on safety fears, says SpeakerSir Lindsay Hoyle said MPs who raise security fears are treated equally regardless of their political stripe, after a Reform UK spokesman suggested he was not taking his duties seriously.Speaking in Parliament after the death of Ann Widdecombe, the Commons Speaker said MPs' concerns were always "passed on to the security people to deal with".Zia Yusuf, Reform's home affairs spokesman, had claimed in a post on X that "none of the Government, the Speaker nor the police care at all about the security of Reform MPs".Sir Lindsay appeared to reject the claim on Monday, when he told MPs: "Every member of Parliament is equal in their security to me – there is no difference between any member, I want to reassure you."When things are brought to my attention – because we don't discuss security, I don’t put out there what is happening, what has been done – but I reassure everybody that when it is mentioned to me, it is passed on to the security people to deal with. Unfortunately, I’m sorry that people don’t think I do that."Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood also told the Commons that MPs were "treated equally" by the Speaker.Sir Lindsay Hoyle making a statement to the House of Commons about the death of Ann Widdecombe(Image: House of Commons/PA Wire)13th Jul22:43 BSTDramatic moment suspect arrested 300 miles away from ex-MP's homeHome CCTV footage caught the dramatic moment police arrested a man on suspicion of the murder of former-MP Ann Widdecombe, around 300 miles away from her home.The ex-minister, 78, was found dead at her house in Haytor on Dartmoor at about 11.40am, on Thursday, after sustaining serious injuries.A 28-year-old white British man was arrested on suspicion of her murder on Saturday, with footage showing the moment he was detained.Video, shared with Sky News, showed a man with no top on being arrested by armed police officers after they arrived at the home in South Yorkshire. The handcuffed man was then led through a garden and away from the house in Rotherham, at around 9pm.READ THE FULL STORY HERE.New footage showed the moment the suspect was arrested at his home in Rotherham, South Yorkshire13th Jul22:27 BSTCounter terrorism police leading Anne Widdecombe murder probe - what it means for caseThe murder of former British politician Ann Widdecombe is being investigated by Counter Terrorism Police with a suspect re-arrested on a terrorism offence, police said today.Authorities confirmed Counter Terrorism Police are leading the probe after the suspect, originally detained on suspicion of Miss Widdecombe's murder, has been re-arrested on suspicion of commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.Who are Counter Terrorism police?Counter Terrorism Police work with the UK intelligence community to help protect the public and our national security. Officers from forces across the UK collaborate to prevent, deter and investige terrorist activity.The unit says "choices have to constantly be made about resources" but they lead investigations on cases deemed to pose a threat to national security. It is unclear what the "new information and evidence" is on the Miss Widdecombe case but this has led to CTP taking the lead on this one.What happens next?The re-arrest on alleged terrorism offences gives police the powers under the Terrorism Act to detain a suspect without charge for up to 14 days. Devon and Cornwall Police had initially said there was nothing to suggest the attack was terrorism-related, but investigations are ever evolving as new information comes to light.But, like Devon and Cornwall Police said, Counter Terrorism Police has urged "anyone with any information" to share it with them online.READ THE FULL STORY HERE.Ann Widdecombe during press conference in 2019(Image: Steve Taylor/SOPA Images/Shutterstock)13th Jul21:57 BSTMPs share safety concerns following death of Ann WiddecombeThis evening in the Commons MPs from across the political spectrum shared their own safety concerns while paying tribute to Ann Widdecombe.Tory MP Sir Bernard Jenkin warned parliamentarians were more likely to be killed than members of the army or police.Labour MP for Monmouthshire Catherine Fookes told the Commons she was "looking over her shoulder" over the weekend.She said: "I'm sure I was not the only one this weekend who went about my business in the constituency looking over my shoulder more than I normally would, and it's terrible that it's the third ex-member of this Parliament to be murdered. But it shouldn't be like this."Responding to Ms Fookes, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said: "There are a number of measures that are taken and that for local policing as well as working with the Parliamentary Security Department there is an offer for all members of Parliament and specific risk assessments."Conservative MP Sir Julian Lewis tols his colleagues: "Whatever else you do, keep your home addresses as private as you possibly can."13th Jul21:27 BSTMoment Ann Widdecombe's Devon home shown on TV days before deathAnn Widdecombe's home was featured in a national TV show just days before she was murdered.Viewers were able to take an extensive look inside the former MP and MEP's home in Haytor on Dartmoor in the repeat of Celebrity Yorkshire Auction House, which aired on Discovery+ on Thursday July 2.Speaking on the programme, the 78-year-old told how she loved the "peace, quiet and solitude" of her Devon retreat. But, just days after it aired, Miss Widdecombe was discovered dead there and had sustained "serious injuries".Celebrity Yorkshire Auction House sees stars clear their homes of clutter and, in the process, they often discover hidden gems to be auctioned off for serious profit.Miss Widdecombe's episode was filmed in 2022, and was part of the second series of the show, presented by antiques expert Angus Ashworth.In the episode, the retired politician gave viewers a glimpse of her front door, garden, library, conservatory, gym and kitchen. There is no suggestion the programme inspired or had any role in the murder.READ THE FULL STORY HERE.The ex-MP at her home with the show's host(Image: Discovery Plus)13th Jul21:01 BSTJeremy Vine's tearful TV tribute to Ann WiddecombeEmotional Jeremy Vine couldn't hold back the tears as he broke down live on air following the death of his friend and occasional co-star Ann Widdecombe.Ann, a regular guest on his Channel 5 programme, was found dead hours after she was due to appear on his show. A member of his team had been in contact with the former politician on the day she died, but she failed to turn up up for the online interview.The 78-year-old had accepted invitations to be the Jeremy Vine Show more than 50 times, and also rarely said no when asked to go on his Radio 2 show.Guest Iain Dale, on the Channel 5 programme, told Jeremy: "She loved coming on it. She loved your viewers and she loved you. You were part of her family and she really spoke very highly of you, and I know you went out of your way to be kind to her."Jeremy thanked him for his kind words and became visibly emotional as his voice began to crack. Looking down and away from the camera, the host's eyes started to fill with tears.Struggling to get his words out, he said: "Well, that is too much to hear today. Thank you so much, Iain. We are involved here because, on the day of her death, this office was in touch with her by chance."READ THE FULL STORY HERE.Jeremy Vine break down on TV show over Ann Widdecombe death(Image: Channel 5)13th Jul20:38 BST'Concerning developments' in Widdecombe probe, Burnham saysAndy Burnham, who is set to become Labour's next leader later this week, shared a statement on the death of Ann Widdecombe.In a post on X, the Makerfield MP said: "This was an appalling act of violence against someone who has contributed so much to our national life.These are very concerning developments and the police must be given the resources and space they need so justice can be done as quickly as possible. My thoughts go out to Ann's friends and family and all who loved her."Andy Burnham giving a speech, on June 29(Image: AP Photo/Alastair Grant)13th Jul19:47 BSTTributes to Widdecombe from across the CommonsPoliticians from all sides of the UK political spectrum shared words on Ann Widdecombe this evening in the House of Commons.Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood called the ex-MP "forthright and fearless", adding that Widdecombe was "one of those rare politicians who was bigger than politics".Conservative shadow home secretary Chris Philp said Widdecombe "always fearlessly spoke her mind". He added: "She always said exactly what she believed and exactly what she thought. Her integrity and her fortitude were unmatched."Lib Dem MP Max Wilkinson called Widdecombe a "conviction politician" and a "passionate public servant who was never afraid to challenge those in power".SNP MP Pete Wishart said the ex-minister was a "larger than life political figure".Paid Cymru MP Liz Saville Roberts said: "We will remember where we were when we heard the news once again that, in this case a former member of parliament but, somebody who lived the same lives as ourselves died in such a hideous, shocking way."13th Jul19:15 BSTMP tells Commons to 'keep home addresses as private as you can'Conservative MP Sir Julian Lewis told MPs he had previously worked with colleagues on greater privacy rules for MPs' home addresses.He urged MPs today to "keep your home addresses as private as you possibly can".Sir Lewis, the MP for New Forest East, said the Commons between 2008-09 "spent a lot of time taking steps" to make sure MPs could keep their homes private.This included ensuring home addresses did not have to be shared on ballot papers or in response to Freedom of Information requests.This evening he told fellow MPs to "not throw away the gains we made".13th Jul19:00 BSTShadow home secretary urged public not to speculateThe Shadow home secretary urged the public not to speculate about the death of Ann Widdecombe because it makes the job of police harder and could prejudice a trial.Chris Philp told the Commons: "I'd like to thank the police for releasing the information they have so far, including about the identity of the suspect."It is always important to release as much information as possible in the interests of transparency and to avoid misinformation filling the void."On threats to those in public life, Mr Philp said: “We must redouble our efforts to ensure that public political figures who are MPs, and those like Ann who are not MPs, always receive the proportionate protection they need.”He added that politicians should "set an example of civility and calm, and not inflame".SNP MP Pete Wishart also echoed this message and told the Commons there will be "temptation to speculate" about what happened particularly from people with "malevolent intent on social media".13th Jul18:43 BSTTechnology has made abuse against politicians 'much worse', Diane Abbott saysMother of the House Diane Abbott, the independent MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington, said technology has made the abuse which politicians face "much much worse" than when she was first elected in 1987.Ms Abbott, the longest continuously serving woman MP, told the Commons that abuse had become "much much worse with the rise of online activity".In her response to the death of former MP Ann Widdecombe, she said: "We need to a way to make some of these online companies more accountable for the threats and the violence that they allow on their platforms."Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said Ms Abbott had demonstrated "personal bravery" but added: "It should not take such levels of bravery to just be able to represent the people of your constituency."She said the Government and parliamentary security department "will work very closely" together to tackle online abuse.13th Jul18:20 BSTFarage accepts Mahmood's offer of security meetingNigel Farage was offered a meeting with the head of the parliamentary body responsible for politicians' security, Shabana Mahmood has said.In the Commons today, the Home Secretary said: "I recognise the particular concern that the Reform Party will feel today, and of course Nigel Farage, the party’s leader."I'm happy to offer a meeting for Mr Farage with the chair of Ravec (Royal and VIP Executive Committee), the independent body within the Home Office that manages the security of those in public life."Farage, on X, posted to thank Mahmood and said: "Thank you for this offer @ShabanaMahmood. I will meet with the Chair of RAVEC and discuss the security of all Reform politicians, including those who are not MPs."13th Jul18:02 BSTSuspect 'not known to anti-terror Prevent programme', Home Secretary saysShabana Mahmood has said the man in custody allegedly linked to the death of Ann Widdecombe "was not known" to the Prevent anti-extremism programme.Making a statement in the House of Commons, the Home Secretary told MPs: "The police now have a suspect in custody, a 28-year-old white British man. And I can confirm to the House that this man was not known to Prevent."The police have cautioned against speculating about the case – that is the right thing to do for Ann’s family and friends."13th Jul17:54 BSTCommons speaker shuts down Reform claim he 'doesn't care' about MPs safetyCommons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle said MPs' security concerns are treated equally and are "passed on to the security people to deal with".The Speaker stood up in the Commons, while MPs paid tribute to ex-MP Ann Widdecombe, to discuss the security of members of Parliament.He said: "Every member of Parliament is equal in their security to me – there is no difference between any member, I want to reassure you."When things are brought to my attention – because we don't discuss security, I don't put out there what is happening, what has been done – but I reassure everybody that when it is mentioned to me, it is passed on to the security people to deal with. Unfortunately, I’m sorry that people don't think I do that."Zia Yusuf, Reform UK's home affairs spokesman, on Sunday claimed in a post on X that Sir Lindsay, the Government and the police did not "care at all about the security of Reform MPs".Sir Lindsay also paid tribute to Widdecombe and said: "I’ll just say on a personal level, Casa Pizza in Lambeth, in Kennington, is where I spent a lot of time in the evening sharing a pizza with the one and only Ann Widdecombe."She was a friend in many ways. Politically, we may not agree, but she was without doubt a courageous, principled politician and all of our thoughts are with family and her friends."Sir Lindsay Hoyle speaking in the Commons this evening(Image: House of Commons/UK Parliament/PA Wire)13th Jul17:15 BSTDramatic moment Ann Widdecombe murder suspect arrested 300 miles away from ex-MP's homeImages grabbed from CCTV footage show the dramatic moment police arrested a man on suspicion of the murder of former-MP Ann Widdecombe, around 300 miles away from her home.The ex-minister turned TV star, 78, was found dead at her house in Haytor on Dartmoor at about 11.40am, on Thursday, after sustaining serious injuries. A 28-year-old white British man was arrested on suspicion of her murder on Saturday, with footage showing the moment he was detained.Video, shared with Sky News, showed a man with no top on being arrested by armed police officers after they arrived at the home in South Yorkshire.Dramatic moment Ann Widdecombe murder suspect arrested 300 miles away from ex-MP's homeDramatic CCTV has emerged of the arrest13th Jul17:11 BSTShabana Mahmood issues MPs' security update after Ann Widdecombe killingOur political correspondent, Sophie Huskisson, now has larger take on Shabana Mahmood's promise in the House of Commons...Shabana Mahmood has promised to look at MPs' security guidance after the alleged murder of veteran politician Ann Widdecombe.The Home Secretary said the job of an MP should not be a "dangerous" one as she called this moment "a dark day in our political life".Politicians have been left reeling by death of the 78-year-old, who served as a Conservative MP for 23 years. After quitting Parliament, she later joined Reform UK.Ms Mahmood said Ms Widdecombe was "a distinctive and devoted public servant". She also paid tribute to Jo Cox and Sir David Amess, who were murdered while serving as MPs.Shabana Mahmood issues MPs' security update after Ann Widdecombe killingHome Secretary Shabana Mahmood made a vow(Image: PRU/AFP via Getty Images)13th Jul17:02 BSTShabana Mahmood also calls on Government to 'protect those who choose to serve'The Home Secretary, also MP for Ladywood, Birmingham, adds: "Mr Speaker, I know this raises questions about the security of those in public life."I will not be the only one here thinking also of two other beloved members of this House; Jo Cox and Sir David Amess."Politics is a calling, for those of us here. But it should not be a dangerous one."And so it is incumbent on the House and the Government to work together to protect those who choose to serve."13th Jul16:55 BSTShabana Mahmood pays emotional tribute to Miss Widdecombe on 'dark day in our political life'Shabana Mahmood has paid tribute to Ann Widdecome. Speaking in the House of Commons, the Home Secretary said: "It is with great sadness that I say those words."My thoughts today are with her family, her friends, and all those who loved her. Ann Widdecombe dedicated her life to politics and public service. For nearly forty years, she was a fixture of our political life."She brought conviction to our politics, grounded in her profound Catholic faith. She was forthright in her opinions, and argued courageously for the things she believed in... Today, is a dark day in our political life."13th Jul16:13 BSTDowning Street encourages public to respect the integrity of the investigationDowning Street has urged the public to respect the integrity of the investigation into the death of Ann Widdecombe.Asked about speculation surrounding the case, the Prime Minister's official spokesman said: “The police have been very clear that this is a live murder investigation. We would echo their message that it is important the integrity of the investigation is protected and supported while officers carry out their work.“We would also urge anyone with information that could assist the investigation to come forward and contact the police.”13th Jul16:02 BSTFriends pay tribute to Ann WiddecombeDee McVey, chair of local interest group, Okehampton U3A, said she had invited Ann to visit a horse stable on the day she died. The pair became friends after Dee invited Ann to speak at a U3A event at the Union Inn in Moretonhampstead just a few weeks earlier.“She was an amazing woman,” Dee said. “She gave so many talks for the U3A, always free of charge. She would often sell her books at our meetings and donate all the proceeds back to the U3A. She was incredibly generous and kind, and over time she became a dear friend.“She absolutely loved horses. She was due to come to a race meeting at the end of October and was really looking forward to it. She had stables behind her house and used to own a horse.“What makes it even more upsetting is that we had arranged for her to visit a local stable last Wednesday, but she had to cancel because of television commitments.”Ann Widdecombe is pictured at home(Image: Christopher Jones/Shutterstock)13th Jul15:43 BSTAnn Widdecombe was due to appear on television minutes before she diedAnn Widdecombe was killed shortly before she was due to appear on television and her body was not found for 24 hours.The former Tory minister was bludgeoned to death in her house 30 minutes before she was set to appear via video call from home, on Channel 5’s Matt Allwright show.The 78-year-old woman had last messaged a producer at 12.19pm but failed to respond to a text at 12.48pm. Devon and Cornwall Police revealed she was killed at 12.30pm on Wednesday in the bungalow where she lived alone with her cat on the edge of Dartmoor National Park.13th Jul15:27 BSTLoose Women stops show to share breaking news about Miss WiddecombeITV Loose Women has issued a breaking news update on the investigation into Ann Widdecombe’s death.After returning from an add break on ITV, Christine Lampard, who fronted the Loose Women panel today, said: "Welcome back, just before the break we were talking about Ann Widdecombe, who was found dead on Thursday."In the last few minutes, police have revealed the counter-terrorism police are now leading the investigation into her death. The police have just said new information and evidence has come to light. So a very much developing story."13th Jul15:24 BST'Take care not to say anything in this house that might prejudice a future trialCommons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle has also urged MPs not to say anything that might prejudice a future trial after Anne Widdecombe’s death."In light of the ongoing police investigation, I would urge members to take care not to say anything in this house that might prejudice a future trial," he said.Sir Lindsay Hoyle makes a statement to the House of Commons(Image: House of Commons/UK Parliament/PA Wire)13th Jul14:41 BST'Ann was a formidable politician, a prominent figure in public life'Sir Lindsay Hoyle, the Speaker of the House of Commons, paid tribute to Miss Widdecombe.He said: "Before we begin today, I'd like to pay a tribute to Ann Widdecombe who died in tragic, deeply troubling circumstances last week. Ann was a formidable politician, a prominent figure in public life."She was a member of Parliament for Maidstone for 27 years, holding a number of ministerial posts in the 90s. Ann was fierce and enjoyed robust political debate."Whether you agree with her or not, she was principled, spoke her mind and was true to her beliefs, which were informed by a Christian faith."Ann was a close friend to David Amess, who was murdered in 2021, and both were fellow animal lovers. In light of the ongoing police investigation, I would urge members to take care not to say anything in this House that might prejudice some future trial."He went on: "On a personal level, Casa Pizza in Lambeth, in Kennington is where I spent a lot of time in the evening sharing a pizza with the one and only Ann Widdecombe."She was a friend in many ways. Politically we may not agree, but she was without doubt a courageous principal politician and all our thoughts are with her family and her friends."13th Jul14:30 BSTFrom robust politician to unlikely reality TV starMiss Widdecombe had been a prominent voice for decades, known for her robust personality and socially conservative views opposing abortion and the expansion of LGBTQ+ rights.Miss Widdecombe was a lawmaker in the House of Commons from 1987 to 2010, serving in roles including prisons minister in Prime Minister John Major’s 1990s Conservative government.But she found fame after leaving Parliament as a contestant on the reality television shows Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother.The star later joined the Brexit Party, briefly serving as a member of the European Parliament before Britain left the European Union in 2020. Most recently, she joined the anti-immigration Reform UK party, often appearing in the media as a spokesperson.Friends and colleagues contrasted her pugnacious political statements with her personal kindness and good humour.Ann Widdecombe speaking during a Reform UK General Election campaign launch(Image: PA Wire)13th Jul14:21 BSTFloral tributes to Ann Widdecombe left at the scene These photographs show plenty of floral tributes to Ann Widdecombe.They have been placed near her home in Haytor, Devon, where Miss Widdecombe, 78, was found dead.The tributes include pictures of the veteran politician, and emotional, handwritten letters.New images capture floral tributes near Miss Widdecombe's house(Image: Tom Wren / SWNS)Photographs of Miss Widdecombe have been placed among the flowers(Image: Tom Wren / SWNS)‌