Ann Widdecombe killed in ‘targeted attack’, say counter-terrorism police 

The murder of firebrand politician Ann Widdecombe has sent shockwaves through the British establishment, prompting fresh debate around the safety of public figures.  

An unapologetic straight-talking stateswoman, Widdecombe served as an MP for 23 years, and was famed for controversial outspoken views on abortion, gay rights and women’s issues.  

Despite her divisive nature, Widdecombe managed to win fans away from the political arena thanks to a memorable run on Strictly Come Dancing and other unlikely forays into reality TV. 

Now, as the investigation into her murder evolves into a terrorism probe, serious questions are being asked of the authorities in Britain, not least by Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who called attention to the need for more money to be spent on security for public figures just days before Widdecombe’s death.  

On Tuesday evening, counter-terrorism police in the UK stated that the murder of Ann Widdecombe is officially recognised as a “targeted attack” while noting that it has “not been declared as a terrorist incident”. 

Fionnán Sheahan is joined by TRT World presenter Enda Brady to discuss the latest on the investigation, and to look at the sometimes contradictory life of Ann Widdecombe and an increasingly threatening climate for politicians. 

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