Police investigating the alleged murder of Ann Widdecombe say there is “nothing to suggest it was politically motivated”.
Devon and Cornwall Police added they are not looking for anyone else in connection with her death, following the arrest of a 28-year-old white British man in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, on Saturday.
The former MP and MEP, 78, was found dead at her home in Haytor, Devon, on Thursday, having sustained serious injuries. Police believe she had been attacked almost 24 hours earlier.
Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman said officers remained “open-minded” about a potential motive and that there was not thought to be any threat to the wider public.
The arrest was carried out shortly after 21:00 BST by officers at Counter Terrorism Police North East and South Yorkshire Police, on behalf of the force.
There is no information to suggest the attack on Widdecombe was terrorism-related, Longman told reporters on Sunday.
The family of the former Conservative minister, and later Reform UK spokesperson, have been informed of the updates and are being supported by specialist officers.
Devon and Cornwall Police has received more than 120 reports of information after making a public appeal, and Longman asked anyone who had not yet come forward to do so “as a priority”.
He reiterated calls asking people not to speculate, especially about a potential motive, saying this was “unhelpful” for the investigation and “distressing” to Widdecombe’s relatives.
