Police reveal man, 28, from Rotherham arrested over Ann Widdecombe murder in raid involving counter-terrorism cops - as officers say attack was 'not politically motivated'

Published: 11:48, 12 July 2026 | Updated: 11:58, 12 July 2026 Police have revealed a 28-year-old man taken into custody over the alleged murder of former minister Ann Widdecombe was from Rotherham. Speaking at a press conference today, officers confirmed the attack was 'not politically motivated' - but added counter-terrorism officers had been involved in a raid. The former MP and MEP was found dead by her gardener at her cottage in Haytor, Devon on Thursday morning. Officers detained a 28-year-old white British man and he remains in custody. Detectives said earlier the case is 'moving at significant pace' and 'our priority remains identifying those responsible' for Ms Widdecombe's death. A researcher on the Channel 5 show had spoken to Ms Widdecombe on the phone earlier in the afternoon to set up the interview. After the call, the researcher exchanged messages with Ms Widdecombe, with her last message received at 12.19pm. The researcher then messaged again at 12.48pm requesting that Ms Widdecombe join the Zoom link in preparation for the remote interview, but she did not reply. Subsequent voice calls and messages asking if everything was alright went unanswered. Concerns were raised by the show's research team about the uncharacteristic lack of response from Ms Widdecombe, who was a regular on the show. They contacted her agent later on Wednesday and followed up again on Thursday. Ms Widdecombe appeared on Talk TV on Wednesday just days before her death Ann Widdecombe was found dead in the kitchen of her remote bungalow in Dartmoor yesterday This is a breaking news story. More to follow Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.