Staff Reports
Jonathan Hall KC, the government’s Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation and of State Threats Legislation, has publicly slammed Devon and Cornwall Police for the muddled way they talked to the public about the investigation into the death of Reform UK spokesman Ann Widdecombe. His rebuke is blunt: police “steered the public away” from a possible terrorism or political motive and “probably broke one of the golden rules of investigations.” That criticism matters because Counter Terrorism Policing South East later took over the probe after new information emerged and the suspect was re-arrested on terrorism-related suspicion.
Independent reviewer slams police messaging
Hall’s point is simple and hard to argue with. When a major figure like Ann Widdecombe is found dead and new evidence points towards a political motive, the public deserves clarity — not a scripted “nothing to see here” line from local officers. Devon and Cornwall Police repeatedly told people there was “no information to suggest” a political motive, even as detectives later admitted they were keeping an open mind. That reversal looks bad. It erodes trust and hands fuel to conspiracy theories and angry politicians.
The “golden rule” and why it matters
Hall warned that the force “probably broke one of the golden rules of investigations” by ruling things out too soon. In plain English: say what you know, and admit what you don’t. Counter Terrorism Policing South East — led publicly by Laurence Taylor — said new information and evidence meant CT police must lead. That switch is not just a bureaucratic reshuffle. It changes the whole nature of the investigation and raises real questions about motive, risk to other public figures, and whether local messaging misled the public.
Accountability, not cover-up, is needed
Some will rush to say this is a cover-up. Others will demand blame. The sober view is between the two: police should not be accused lightly, but they must be held to account when their public messages contradict the facts as they later emerge. Alison Hernandez, the Police and Crime Commissioner, has defended her force. The Home Secretary has also spoken about protecting public figures. Fine — but words from ministers mean little unless police procedures change so communications are clear, cautious, and honest from the start.
What should happen next
First, an internal review of how Devon and Cornwall Police handled public briefings must be transparent and fast. Second, Parliament and the public should watch how Counter Terrorism Policing proceeds and whether the Crown Prosecution Service brings terrorism charges. Finally, ministers must act to protect politicians and former politicians without turning them into hermits. If police want public trust back, they should stop telling people not to think and start telling the truth they actually know. That’s not political correctness. It’s common sense.
