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STORY

Police investigating the suspected murder of former Conservative minister Ann Widdecombe have said there is no evidence that the killing was politically motivated or connected to terrorism. A 28-year-old man has been arrested and officers said they were not currently seeking anyone else.

Devon and Cornwall Police urged politicians and members of the public not to speculate about a motive while the investigation continues. Another person arrested earlier in the inquiry was released without charge.

Widdecombe was found dead at her home in Devon after suffering serious injuries. Her death prompted renewed discussion of political security, but police said detectives remained open-minded and had found nothing at this stage to indicate a political motive.

STORY

The Government has said its proposed Hillsborough law will impose a duty of candour without creating an exemption for the security services. Ministers are seeking to complete the legislation during Keir Starmer’s final week as Prime Minister after months of negotiation over sensitive information.

Victims Minister Catherine Atkinson said safeguards would allow information to be handled securely and appropriately while preserving the central duty on public bodies and officials to act honestly. Campaigners welcomed the assurance that the law would apply across Government.

The legislation is intended to prevent institutional defensiveness and cover-ups following public disasters and scandals. Families affected by Hillsborough have campaigned for a statutory duty of candour and stronger accountability for public authorities.

STORY

Andy Burnham is preparing to become Labour leader and Prime Minister after securing the support of a clear majority of the party’s MPs. Labour is expected to complete its leadership process this week, with Burnham due to succeed Keir Starmer and enter Downing Street on 20 July.

The incoming leader is considering an early fiscal reset, including the possibility of combining an autumn Budget with a wider review of departmental spending. Such a move would allow the new administration to set out its priorities before the final years of the Parliament.

Burnham will inherit pressure over economic growth, public services, immigration and defence spending. He has promised a greater transfer of power away from Westminster while maintaining the Government’s existing fiscal rules.

STORY

The University of Aberdeen is investigating comments made by employee and political activist Heather Herbert after she said she hoped former Conservative minister Ann Widdecombe had suffered “an extremely painful death”. Herbert, who works as a web application developer at the university, posted the remarks on social media after Widdecombe’s death was announced.

Herbert also reportedly wrote that she hoped Widdecombe had been “handcuffed to the bed as she screamed in agony”. The University of Aberdeen said it was aware of the comments being circulated online and was looking into the matter. It has not announced the outcome of its investigation or said whether any disciplinary action has been taken.

Herbert has previously stood for election as a Labour candidate and has also been associated with the Scottish Greens. She contested Aberdeen Donside for Labour at the 2021 Scottish Parliament election and later stood in the Kincorth, Nigg and Cove ward at the 2022 Aberdeen City Council election.