Laurence Taylor said Counter Terrorism Policing now leads the Ann Widdecombe case update after new information and evidence changed the direction of the inquiry. He said the team is pursuing multiple lines of enquiry to establish the motivation for the attack.
Taylor said the priority is to progress the investigation quickly with all available capabilities. He also asked anyone with information to share it with the police.
Laurence Taylor on the takeover
“Building on the progress made by our colleagues in Devon and Cornwall Police, we now have new information and evidence that means Counter Terrorism Policing is now leading the investigation,” Taylor said. He added: “We are pursuing multiple lines of enquiry to establish the motivation for this attack.”
He also said: “Our priority is progressing this investigation quickly, with all the capabilities we have available to us. If anyone has any information, please share it with the police.” Taylor thanked local communities, the wider public and the media for their support and patience, and asked them to continue supporting the next stage of the investigation.
Home Office questions
Shabana Mahmood said police are pursuing multiple lines of enquiry to establish the motivation for the attack and described Ann Widdecombe as “a true public servant.” That leaves the investigation focused on motive rather than a single public explanation.
The shift also means the case is now being handled by a national counter-terrorism unit after beginning with Devon and Cornwall Police. Counter Terrorism Policing is therefore using a broader specialist response while the evidence is being tested.
Lindsay Hoyle tribute
In the House of Commons, Lindsay Hoyle called Widdecombe “a formidable politician” and said she was principled, spoke her mind and was true to her beliefs, which were informed by a Christian faith. He also said she was a close friend to David Amess, who was murdered in 2021.
Hoyle added: “I and Widdecombe often used dine together at a pizza restaurant in Kennington.” The police inquiry now moves forward without saying what the new evidence shows, so the public appeal for information is the immediate next step.
