A GB News presenter has revealed that the police are investigating whether the suspected killer was motivated by left-wing extremism, as he issued a fresh update on the death of Ann Widdecombe. The Reform UK politician was found dead in her Devon home last week, sparking a nationwide manhunt for her suspected killer. Earlier this week, Counter Terrorism Police took over the case and arrested a 28-year-old man from Rotherham on suspicion of preparation, commission or instigation of acts of terrorism.

On Tuesday night (July 14), detectives confirmed Miss Widdecombe’s death was a “targeted attack” and said that targeting Reform UK figures will be a “line of investigation”. On Wednesday morning (July 15), GB News’ Home and Security Editor Mark White reported live from Devon, where he shared the latest updates on the late Strictly star’s ongoing murder investigation.

He began: “In terms of the motivation, Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor, the most senior counter-terror officer, said the police were keeping an open mind in terms of everything from far-left extremism to non-defined ideology, all that is being looked at. He was also asked whether other members of the Reform party might have been potential targets.

“Again, he said that was one avenue in the investigation going forward. As far as Reform UK is concerned, Nigel Farage, in particular, I think, will point to the increased risk that Reform UK members are under. They have already spoken of hundreds of threats, many of them death threats, that come in on an almost daily basis to Reform.

“We know Nigel Farage will be meeting with those independent officials at the Home Office to discuss security for him, but he would like that also to be extended to include other MPs and prominent reform politicians.” It comes after the police were granted another seven days to question their prime suspect.

This is essential in counter-terrorism cases because so many different potential strands of the investigation will need to be explored. The broadcaster went on to warn politicians about the impact Ann’s death has had on the political climate in the UK, warning budding politicians that their line of work is “more dangerous than being in the armed forces.”

He told co-hosts Ellie Costello and Christopher Hope: “There’s no doubt there is, just extrapolating their figures, it’s actually more dangerous potentially to be a frontline politician than it is to be in the armed forces. When you’re comparing the numbers of those involved as MPs to the many thousands in the military.

“So there’s no doubt that it is a risky profession, especially these days, where the political discourse has got very, very poisonous, with many MPs receiving regular threats.” It didn’t take long before viewers hit out at the presenter’s comments online, with one user fuming: “That’s a bit far fetched tbf!!”

Another agreed: “What a load of b******s!” as a third chimed in with: “Oh do behave. Comparing being a frontline politician with serving in the armed forces is weapons-grade melodrama. One tragedy doesn’t magically turn Westminster into Helmand.”