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Police investigating Ann Widdecombe’s murder have been slammed as “disrespectful” by the Reform UK spokesperson’s former colleague. Ms Widdecombe was found dead at her home in Haynor, Devon, on Thursday, and a 28-year-old white British man arrested in Yorkshire on Saturday remains in custody on suspicion of murder.

A confusing picture emerged in the days following her death, however, with Devon and Cornwall Police initially saying there was nothing to suggest the murder was politically motivated or linked to terrorism. Broadcaster Carole Malone, who was a Daily Express columnist alongside Ms Widdecombe, criticised the handling of the case as “disrespectful” in the latest episode of the Daily Expresso podcast. She told host JJ Anisiobi: “I expected Devon and Cornwall Police to behave, but certainly not the way they have behaved.

“I think they’ve been disrespectful to her family. It’s like they’ve learned nothing from the lessons of Southport.”

Police in Southport faced criticism following the killings of three girls at a summer holiday dance class, with the UK’s independent reviewer of terrorism legislation suggesting the quality and quantity of information released by officers was “inadequate”.

Ms Malone added: “When I first heard she’d died, I just assumed she’d had a heart attack. Which was sad enough. And then we hear not too long after that it was an [alleged] murder. I don’t know what I expected.”

The 28-year-old man is being held on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism, as well as on suspicion of murder.

Laurence Taylor, head of UK counter-terrorism policing, said on Tuesday: “It is clear that this was a targeted attack. We are still working to understand the extent of any planning or preparation, and the motivation that sits behind that attack.”

Pressed on if police were probing whether the suspect was targeting other Reform UK figures, he said: “So clearly, part of our responsibility when investigating offences of this nature is to assure ourselves and therefore the public and others of any extent of threat.

“That will form a line of investigation to ensure that we are putting all appropriate measures in place to mitigate any threat, should it become apparent. I’m not saying there is or there isn’t at this stage.”

Alison Hernandez, the PCC for Devon and Cornwall, defended the force’s initial response, saying: “It is not unusual that in a fast-paced investigation, more information comes to light that changes the nature or the character of what the police are dealing with.”