A 28-year-old man has been arrested in South Yorkshire on suspicion of murdering politician Ann Widdecombe, police have said.
Police previously said they believe the 78 year old was attacked 24 hours before her body was found in her home in Haytor, Devon on Thursday morning.
The former Conservative minister and later Reform UK spokesperson had sustained serious injuries.
In a fast moving investigation, a 26-year-old man had been arrested the same day on suspicion of murder but was later released and police confirmed that he was “no longer part of the investigation”.
In a new update, police say the latest suspect arrested on Friday is “a white British national” and “is now in police custody”.
A statement from Devon and Cornwall Police said Widdecombe’s family was being kept informed.
“We were supported by Counter Terrorism Policing North East and South Yorkshire Police who carried out the arrest on behalf of Devon & Cornwall Police,” it said.
“At this time, there is still no information to suggest that this is a terrorism related incident and as a force we retain primacy of the investigation.”
It added: “This is a live and active investigation, and no further information will be issued tonight.”
Widdecombe, a devout Catholic, was a widely admired public figure, even by those who disagreed with her views, and the launch of a murder investigation has shocked many.
Locals in Haytor, which sits close to Dartmoor National Park, have spoken of how safe the area is and expressed disbelief that something like this could happen in their neighbourhood.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has visited to lay flowers near her home. He said earlier that her death shows “things have become even more dangerous” for politicians and public figures.
Tributes have been paid by leaders across the political spectrum, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch.
Christians have also paid tribute and expressed their admiration for a woman described by many as principled and unafraid to say what she thought.
John Pontifex, head of press and public affairs at Aid to the Church in Need, said: “Whether or not you agreed with her politics, without a doubt, Ann Widdecombe was a fearless champion for persecuted Christians, constantly seeking to raise the public profile of their suffering with the media and government. At ACN we are thankful for her witness and support over many years.”
Lord Alton, a fellow Catholic, said of Widdecombe, “Known as a conviction politician, her beliefs were founded on two pillars: her faith and her intensely patriotic love of country.
“Beyond the well-known public figure, there was also a less well-known private person, capable of great kindness in responding to people facing personal challenges and tragedy.
“As they will attest, she was never a fair weather friend. At a time when the national debate needs respectful disagreement and intelligent debate, Ann’s voice will be missed.
“I will not be alone in mourning her passing.”
Christian commentator Adrian Hilton said, “There are two kinds of politicians: those who make the most lowly – waiters, waitresses, drivers – feel valued; and those who are always looking over your shoulder for somebody more important.
“Ann Widdecombe was very much the former. She did enjoy ‘Widdecombe’s Rest’, her refuge with her beloved cats, where I enjoyed theological-political sparring and the odd glass of Famous Grouse.
“The God in whom she believed has indeed blessed her soul and welcomed her into his kingdom.”
The Catholic Bishop of Plymouth, Nicholas Hudson, said, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Ann Widdecombe at this distressing time.”