Police are treating the case as murder while stressing there’s no evidence of a terrorist or political motive.

The death of former Conservative cabinet minister, broadcaster, and Reform UK figure Ann Widdecombe has sent shockwaves through British politics. 

Police are treating the case as murder while stressing there’s no evidence of a terrorist or political motive. 

The case has also renewed concerns about the safety of public figures after a decade that has seen a number of British politicians targeted by violence. 

Pat Kenny was  joined by Financial Times political editor George Parker with the latest on what’s known so far.

Mrs Widdecombe was found with serious injuries and over the course of Friday it became clear this was not just a normal death at home, but an incident that the police were treating as murder.

A 26-year old White male was arrested in connection to the case but has since been released with no remaining links to the investigation.

Financial Times political editor George Parker told the Pat Kenny Show the motive is still unknown despite Widdecombe being such a controversial figure.

Ann Widdecombe.

Her initial public persona was this stern, conservative politician with very right-wing views on things like immigration, on social issues, as opposed to abortion”, he told The Pat Kenny Show. 

“She thought that one day there might be a treatment for being gay, for example. She was someone who had very, very, socially conservative views. 

“Then, interestingly, she sort of reinvented herself from being this formidable stern aunt figure to almost a national treasure, because of her participation in Strictly Come Dancing. 

“But she showed she was game for a laugh. She was a terrible dancer, but she formed this great relationship with her partner, and from that, it sort of was a springboard to having a broader media career.”

Nigel Farage. Image by: PA Images.

Mr Parker said the recent death has reignited questions about politicians' safety across party lines with Nigel Farage having also recently voiced concerns about his own wellbeing as a proeminent figure in UK politics.

He added however, that the political conversation would evolve based on the police investigation and whether it uncovers a political motive.

“It may well be that it has negligible impact on the British political debate if it turns out to have been an intruder, a burglary, a robbery or whatever with these terrible consequences.

“There may not be broader conclusions to be drawn.”

Main Image: Ann Widdecombe.