Veteran British populist politician Ann Widdecombe, found dead at her home last week, was the victim of a targeted attack, counterterrorism police have said. The investigation has been taken over by counterterrorism officers.

Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor stated that the attack was clearly targeted, and authorities are working to understand the motivation. A 70-year-old white British man has been rearrested on suspicion of preparation of terrorist acts.

Widdecombe, 78, was a prominent member of Nigel Farage's right-wing Reform UK party, serving as its immigration and justice spokesperson. She previously served as a Conservative MP and held government positions, including shadow home secretary in 1999. She also became a TV personality.

Known for her anti-abortion stance and opposition to equalizing the age of consent for gay and heterosexual relationships, her death has raised concerns about the security of politicians in the UK. Two serving MPs have been murdered in the last decade.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said new information had changed the nature of the investigation and appealed for public assistance. The suspect was not known to the Prevent counterterrorism program.

Source: www.aljazeera.com