Police Call Ann Widdecombe Killing a Targeted Attack as Terror Probe Eyes Reform UK Link
Updated
Updated · CNN · Jul 14
Police Call Ann Widdecombe Killing a Targeted Attack as Terror Probe Eyes Reform UK Link
3 articles · Updated · CNN · Jul 14
Summary
Counter-terrorism police said Tuesday that Ann Widdecombe was killed in a targeted attack, after the former Conservative MP and Reform UK immigration spokesperson was found dead at home with serious injuries.
A 28-year-old British man was arrested first on suspicion of murder and then on suspicion of terrorism offenses, with investigators examining whether he was targeting Reform UK figures; no motive has been announced.
The killing is the third slaying of a UK politician in just over a decade, after Jo Cox in 2016 and David Amess in 2021, sharpening fears in Parliament over worsening threats to public officials.
Almost 1,000 crimes against MPs were reported in 2025—nearly double 2022 levels and up from 151 in 2017—while ministers and lawmakers say online abuse and polarization are reshaping how politicians meet constituents.