Devon panel pays tribute to Ann Widdecombe as murder investigation continues

Members of the Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Panel held a minute's silence in memory of former MP Ann Widdecombe, who was found dead at her home on Dartmoor last week, as a murder investigation continues.

Cllr Chris Penberthy (Lab, St Peter and the Waterfront, Plymouth) said at a meeting of the panel at Plymouth's Council House on Friday that it was appropriate for members to honour the 78-year-old, who, as well as serving as Conservative MP for Maidstone for 23 years, was also a South West MEP and Minister of State for Prisons.

Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez said members all had different memories of Miss Widdecombe and that their thoughts were with her family at this difficult time.

Counter Terrorism Policing has said Miss Widdecombe was killed at her home in Haytor Vale in a "targeted attack" on July 8.

A 28-year-old white British man from Rotherham remains under arrest on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism, as well as on suspicion of murder.

Miss Widdecombe became a spokesperson for Reform UK after joining the party, then known as the Brexit Party, in 2019.

The commissioner said security arrangements for politicians were being reviewed by Devon and Cornwall Chief Constable James Vaughan following Miss Widdecombe's death.

She said he had promptly met with chief executives across local authority areas after the incident, a move for which local councillors were "grateful".

"You will be aware that counter terrorism are leading the investigation and treating it as a targeted attack," she said.

"I am sure this will be unsettling for some of you, but I know our communities value our willingness as politicians to put ourselves in the public eye so we can continue to make life better for the people we represent.

"I can reassure you the Chief Constable is reviewing the security arrangements provided to Members of Parliament, and I am working with him to assess the implications this tragedy has for all of us who choose to serve in public life."

She highlighted Operation Ford, which was launched last year by police to strengthen protective security and policing support for councillors, elected mayors, police and crime commissioners, and candidates for those roles.

She also reiterated the statement she made earlier this week defending Devon and Cornwall Police after the investigation into Miss Widdecombe's death was handed over to counter-terrorism officers.

Three days after Miss Widdecombe was found dead, the force said there was "nothing to suggest" the attack on the former minister was politically motivated.

However, new information later came to light which changed the focus of the investigation.

Responding to a question from Cllr Phillip Hackett (Ind, Torridge, Broadheath), who said he felt the force had been too robust in its original statement, Miss Hernandez said: "I am confident Devon and Cornwall Police has provided a substantial and professional response to the killing of Ann Widdecombe.

"Counter terrorism have been involved since day one alongside Devon and Cornwall Police. They have not just flown in at the end.

"I have had assurance from the Head of Counter Terrorism, Laurence Taylor, that there has been a smooth handover to the leadership of the investigation in light of the evidence that it is related to counter terrorism."

She reminded the panel that no one had yet been charged and that the suspect could be held for up to seven days.

During the minute's silence, members also remembered Reform UK Cornwall councillor Kevin Towell, who served on the panel and died from a brain tumour in February. It was the panel's first opportunity to pay its respects since his death.