Police investigating the alleged murder of former MP Ann Widdecombe have said there is "nothing to suggest it was politically motivated", after arresting a 28-year-old white British man in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, on Saturday. Widdecombe, 78, a former Conservative minister and later a Reform UK spokesperson, was found dead with serious injuries at her home in Haytor, Devon, on Thursday, having reportedly been attacked almost 24 hours earlier. Devon and Cornwall Police say they are not looking for anyone else in connection with her death and believe there is no wider threat to the public.

The arrest was made shortly after 21:00 BST by Counter Terrorism Police North East and South Yorkshire Police, though Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman said there was no information to suggest the attack was terrorism-related, and officers remained "open-minded" about a motive. Police have received more than 120 reports following a public appeal and urged others to come forward while asking the public not to speculate, describing this as unhelpful and distressing to the family. Widdecombe served as Conservative MP for Maidstone for 23 years, held ministerial roles under John Major, later appeared on Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother, and represented South West England as a Brexit Party MEP from 2019 to 2020. Tributes have been paid, including from Reform UK leader Nigel Farage.