Image source, PA Media

Ann Widdecombe was found dead at her home in Haytor, Devon, on Thursday at around 11:40 BST, having sustained serious injuries.

Police believe she was attacked the day before, on 8 July, at around 12:30 BST.

Her death was announced by her agent Cloud 9 Management on Friday morning - with no suggestion that her death was suspicious.

Later on Friday, police announced that they had launched a murder investigation into her death and that a 26-year-old man had been arrested in nearby Newton Abbot.

That man was released on Saturday - police said he was "no longer part of the investigation".

Later that day, police said a 28-year-old man had been arrested in South Yorkshire on suspicion of the murder of Widdecombe.

Earlier today, it was announced that counter-terror police had taken over the investigation and that the 28-year-old man had been re-arrested on suspicion of commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.

Counter-terrorism police are now leading the investigation into the death of Ann Widdecombe after "new information and evidence", officers said earlier today.

"We are pursuing multiple lines of enquiry to establish the motivation for this attack," head of National Counter Terrorism Policing, Laurence Taylor, said.

A 28-year-old white British man from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, was originally arrested on suspicion of murder on Saturday but has now been re-arrested on suspicion of commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.

In a post on X this afternoon, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said that she had spoken to Taylor, confirming that counter terrorism police are "leading on the investigation into the horrific murder of Ann Widdecombe".

She said that she will update MPs in the House of Commons later this afternoon.

On Sunday, Devon and Cornwall Police had said there was "nothing to suggest" the alleged murder was politically motivated.

Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman had said officers remained "open-minded" about a potential motive and that there was not thought to be any threat to the wider public.

Freya Scott-Turner
Live reporter

Image source, PA Media

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is set to update the House of Commons this afternoon on the investigation into the death of Ann Widdecombe.

It comes as counter terrorism police have taken charge of the investigation into the former MP’s death in response to “new information and evidence”.

Widdecombe - a Conservative MP for decades and a member of Reform UK in recent years – was found dead at her Devon home on Thursday. The 78-year-old had sustained serious injuries, police said.

Police are currently holding a 28-year-old white British man in custody. Originally arrested on Saturday on suspicion of murder, he’s since been re-arrested on suspicion of commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.

We're expecting Mahmood to begin her statement around 16:45 BST - we’ll bring you all the key updates right here.