Sir Keir Starmer said it was “really shocking news” that police have launched a murder investigation into the death of Ann Widdecombe, praising the former MP as a “distinguished politician”.
Speaking to reporters at Chequers, the Prime Minister said it was important to “rise above any political differences” and focus on catching Ann Widdecombe’s killer.
He said: “This is really shocking news, and my thoughts, I think all of our thoughts, will be with the family and friends of Ann Widdecombe at this awful time for them.
“Ann was a distinguished politician over many, many years with many achievements, and it’s a huge, huge loss.
“I’ve spoken to the chief constable this afternoon about the details and I think this is really important that this is a moment where we rise above any political differences, the political divide and say the single most important thing at the moment is that all of us and the public help the police identify the individual suspected and make sure he’s arrested as quickly as possible.
“He’s clearly dangerous, and I implore everybody who’s got any information in relation to him to help the police with their inquiries, get him into police custody.”
Asked whether Ann Widdecombe’s murder is believed to have been politically motivated, Sir Keir Starmer said the security of politicians “is of the utmost importance” but he would not speculate on any potential motive.
The Prime Minister said: “It’s really important we remain vigilant. I’m not going to speculate about this particular case.
“The chief constable has briefed me on the details as they’re known at the moment, but I think it’s very important for us to have in our thoughts the family and friends of Ann Widdecombe and, to be clear, the single most important thing at the moment is that the suspect is apprehended as quickly as possible by the police.
“And I urge everybody listening or watching this who’s got any information at all which may be of assistance to the police to come forward to make sure that someone who is clearly dangerous is apprehended as quickly as possible, and the police investigation can proceed on that basis.”
