Family of Ann Widdecombe 'murder' suspect say the 'polite, shy, gentle giant' had 'no red flags at all'

By OLIVIA CHRISTIE, NEWS REPORTER Published: 19:30, 15 July 2026 | Updated: 19:51, 15 July 2026 The family of the man suspected of brutally murdering Ann Widdecombe inside her own home have described him as a 'polite, shy, gentle giant' who had 'no red flags at all'.  Armed police swooped on a council house in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, on Saturday where they arrested a 28-year-old man on suspicion of the killing of the 78-year-old veteran politician. CCTV footage shows the suspect leaving his property shortly before 8am on Wednesday with what appears to be a pole or wooden batten in the pocket of his shorts. His uncle, 73, who cannot be named for legal reasons, claimed he was 'absolutely flabbergasted' to find out about the arrest.  He said he was in 'total shock' - but added that his nephew had 'spiralled' after the death of his father.   The relative said the suspect was one of three brothers and that he had lived at the property where he was arrested for the majority of his life.  His parents are understood to have split up over 15 years ago - but his father had remained at the family home until he passed away from cancer.   The suspect was captured on CCTV leaving the property on a Rotherham estate shortly before 8am on Wednesday with what appears to be a pole in the pocket of his shorts The murder of Ann Widdecombe, pictured on a TV show two weeks ago, may have been terror-related Footage shows a group of armed officers descending on the 28-year-old's property in Rotherham on Saturday The suspect's relative told The Sun: 'There have been no red flags at all.  'The only thing I can think of is he's been left on his own after his dad's death and he's spiralled. 'He's always been a quiet, polite lad, and very shy. His two brothers would be rolling around play-fighting but he wouldn't take part. He would sit at the side or move to the back.'  The uncle described the killing as a 'terrible tragedy' and paid tribute to Ms Widdecombe's 'strident and principled' beliefs.  The politician was found dead by her gardener at her cottage in Haytor on Dartmoor at around 11.40am on Thursday after sustaining serious injuries.  Specialist officers from Counter Terrorism Policing have taken over the investigation - despite police initially saying the murder was not politically motivated.  Making a statement in the Commons about the case, Shabana Mahmood said the man had not been referred to Prevent, the anti-extremist programme. 'I can confirm to the House that this man was not known to Prevent,' she told MPs. 'The police have cautioned against speculating about the case – that is the right thing to do for Ann's family and friends.' Your browser does not support iframes. Forensic officers were seen heading into the house, after it was confirmed there is no evidence to suggest the murder was politically motivated On the day Ms Widdecombe died, the suspect was filmed climbing into a red hatchback before allegedly travelling some 267 miles – a journey of around five hours – to her remote property. Police believe the former Tory minister, who was found dead the following morning, was killed shortly after midday on Wednesday. Neighbours described the man held over her death as recluse and an unemployed 'loner' who rarely left home. 'He comes out of the house and walks towards the red car,' said a neighbour familiar with the footage, which has been shared with police. They said he appeared to be carrying a stick concealed under his top before placing it inside the car. 'It looked like a wooden stick or an iron bar, about a foot long, and it was pushing up underneath his T-shirt as he got into the car,' the person added. 'He seemed calm and there is nothing to suggest anything unusual was happening.' Ms Widdecombe's death has sparked an outpouring of grief with tributes to the former Tory minister. On Monday, Jeremy Vine broke down on live TV over the alleged murder of his close friend and regular guest. The broadcaster wiped away tears as he revealed that a member of his team had been in contact with the former Tory minister 'by chance' on the day she died. Police were searching an address in Rotherham on Sunday where they arrested a man on suspicion of Ms Widdecombe's murder Floral tributes have been left on the grass outside her home, including a framed photograph of Ms Widdecombe Ms Widdecombe appeared on Channel 5's Jeremy Vine Show more than 50 times and was also a regular on his BBC Radio 2 programme. Forensic officers were still searching the man's mid-terraced address in the Rotherham's Kimberworth Park area on Sunday as uniformed officers stood guard outside. Neighbours said around a dozen armed officers had surrounded the property at around 9pm on Saturday before knocking loudly at the door. Courtney Foster, 25, who lives next door with partner Rayed Astle, 26, said: 'We were in the kitchen and just saw the officers running up. Some were armed. Then they banged on the door very loudly. 'They didn't smash the door down because he opened it. They asked him his name, he confirmed it and they took him away.' Ms Foster said police also took the man's pet labradoodle, adding: 'There were about 12 officers and quite a few cars. It was quite a shock.' Describing the man, Mr Astle said that he had barely spoken to anyone since his father, who he had moved in with around a year ago, died last December. 'He was someone you'd have a conversation with but that changed after his dad died. He became very quiet. He kept himself to himself and wouldn't really speak to anyone,' he added. Ms Foster added: 'He was always in the house and I don't think he worked.' Other neighbours said the man's red Vauxhall Corsa 'barely moved' from the drive – to the extent it had begun to rust with weeds growing on it. 'The car was normally left outside for long periods, so it just stood out that he was driving away so early in the morning,' one added. Another local said: 'He is one of three brothers but the others moved out, so he was living on his own. 'His father died before Christmas and I think it affected him. He seemed to change because he became even more introverted. 'You would barely see him – to the point where you'd presume the house was unoccupied. Now and again you'd see the upstairs light on but that was it.' Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.