MPs have paid tribute to Ann Widdecombe in the Commons as counter-terrorism police continue the investigation into her death.
Widdecombe was found dead in her home in Haytor Vale, Devon, last Thursday having sustained serious injuries. Police believe she was attacked around 24 hours before her body was discovered.
A man arrested on Saturday on suspicion of murder has been re-arrested on suspicion of commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism. He is being held in custody.
Leading the Commons tributes to Widdecombe, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said that although the circumstances of her death were "extremely distressing", it was important to "celebrate" her memory as someone who was "bigger than politics".
"Ann Widdecombe dedicated her life to politics and public service. She was a fixture of our political life for nearly 40 years. She brought conviction to our politics, grounded in her profound Catholic faith. She was forthright in her opinions and argued courageously for the things she believed in," she said.
"But, perhaps most of all, she brought an inimitable style to politics. She was forthright and fearless. As Lord Howard of Lympne can attest, she had a memorable turn of phrase. And she was joyful: she thought seriously about ideas but did not take herself too seriously, and that allowed her to reach beyond this place and charm the country at large. She was one of those rare politicians who was bigger than politics."
She said Widdecombe's outlook on life could best be summed up by her memorable remarks on The Graham Norton show, when she said, "We get one go this side of eternity—one go. Life is not a dress rehearsal. You take opportunities that you like, and you go for it."
"Today is a dark day in our political life, but we must also use it as an opportunity to celebrate Ann Widdecombe’s memory," Mahmood continued.
"She was a unique figure in our politics: a distinctive and devoted public servant, the likes of whom we will rarely, if ever, see again. Ann had a profound faith. Her journey in this life has ended too soon, but may she now rest in eternal peace."
Commenting on the investigation, Mahmood said the suspect was not known to Prevent as she urged people to give police "the space they need to carry out their work" and avoid speculation.
She took a moment to speak to concerns about the safety of politicians, saying she had been reminded of the murder of Jo Cox and Sir David Amess.
"Politics is a calling for those of us here, but it should not be a dangerous one. It is incumbent on the House and the Government to work together to protect those who choose to serve," said Mahmood.
"The Home Office and the police work closely with the Parliamentary Security Department to provide practical advice and support directly to MPs. But we must always be vigilant and respond to changing threats."
Later in the debate she said the current climate in national politics was "unlike any that most of us have seen".
"Those of us who have been around for a while can see the big change that has occurred over the last decade or so," she said.
"We must do more, as a Government and as a society, to know exactly what the boundaries are between passionate, contested, fierce debate of the kind that Ann Widdecombe herself engaged in, and behaviour that spills into threats and harassment of the kind that is designed to drive people out of public life. Getting that balance right is absolutely crucial."
Reform MP Suella Braverman said Widdecombe's "tragic" murder had "shocked the nation".
"Dear Ann was the personification of political courage, patriotic tradition and the importance of faith," she said.
"I got to know her when I was Home Secretary, through her immense support for the Amess family when we unveiled his plaque - a poignant reminder of the threat facing our democracy today. The nation has lost an exemplary public servant and a force of nature in Ann."
Braverman condemned some of the "frankly disgusting" online comments about Widdecombe in the days following her death and said people should "show some respect to their opponents, instead of whipping up hatred".
Mahmood agreed with her comments and expressed her own "absolute revulsion at such behaviour towards an elderly woman who has lost her life in very distressing and deeply tragic circumstances".
"It has no place in our politics or our national life, and I know that all Members of the House will agree with that," she said.
"I urge everyone, wherever they may sit on the political spectrum, to exercise calm and careful judgment before hitting the send button on social media messages. A little time for reflection is often the best thing in these circumstances."
Reform MP Richard Tice remembered Widdecombe as a "remarkable lady" with "an incredible work ethic".
"She was a colossus in public and political life - a legend, adored and loved by millions and millions of people, including my own late mother, who spoke very warmly of Ann," he said.
Conservative MP Mark Pritchard suggested a posthumous honour for Widdecombe, whom he described as "a lady of conviction, clarity, compassion, integrity and authenticity - a lexicon of virtue".
"Of course, she was recognised by His Holiness the Pope with a papal damehood - a DSG - but unfortunately she was, I think unfairly, never recognised in this country in the same way. I hope that is something that, in her honour and memory, could be considered," he said.
Widdecombe converted from Anglicanism to Catholicism in 1993 after the Church of England voted to allow the ordination of women as priests.
She was unashamed to speak about her religious and political beliefs, however unpopular they were in modern Britain, and was committed to defending persecuted Christians, free speech and the rights of UK Christians which she feared were being increasingly diminished.
Writing in the Catholic Herald on the Ashers bakery case, she said that “the principle of not being allowed to express a view has been extended to being forced to affirm one – an infringement of individual liberty that would have been unthinkable not so very long ago".
Later when politicians Kate Forbes and Tim Farron faced hostility for their Christian beliefs, Widdecombe came to their defence, saying Christians “shouldn’t have to leave their faith at the door”.
Widdecombe was a frequent worshipper at Buckfast Abbey which said she would be "missed and fondly remembered".
"Many in our worshipping community knew her as a kind and warm character," it said.
"Ann was a woman of profound faith, a faith which found expression in the public forum of politics.
"Ann was unafraid to express her unwavering convictions, formed through her Roman Catholic faith.
"She had a sharp intellect and was a dedicated public servant."
Counter Terrorism Policing announced on Monday that they were taking over the investigation.
Laurence Taylor, the head of Counter Terrorism Policing, said: “We now have new information and evidence that means Counter Terrorism Policing is leading the investigation. We are pursuing multiple lines of inquiry to establish the motivation for this attack.”
