Counter-terrorism police are now leading the investigation into the death of former Cabinet minister Ann Widdecombe.
The shift in direction follows the emergence of new information and evidence, officials said.
Commenting on the development, Counter Terrorism Policing South East (CTPSE) said new information "has come to light during what has been a dynamic and complex investigation".
Police believe Widdecombe, 78, was attacked 24 hours before her body was found in her home in Haytor, Devon, on Thursday morning.
A 28-year-old white British male was arrested on Saturday in Rotherham on suspicion of murder. He has since been re-arrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism, and is in custody.
Devon and Cornwall Police initially led the investigation and had said in an update on Sunday that there was "still no information to suggest that this is a terrorism-related incident".
“Detectives remain open-minded about the potential motive. At this stage, there is nothing to suggest it was politically motivated," Asst Chief Constable Matt Longman of Devon and Cornwall Police had said.
CTPSE is now leading the investigation.
The head of national counter-terrorism policing, Laurence Taylor, said: “Building on the progress made by our colleagues in Devon and Cornwall police, we now have new information and evidence that means counter-terrorism policing is now leading the investigation.
“We are pursuing multiple lines of inquiry to establish the motivation for this attack. Our priority is progressing this investigation quickly, with all the capabilities we have available to us. If anyone has any information, please share it with the police.”
Richard Tice, the deputy leader of Reform UK, said on Monday: “A lot of journalists must now apologise to Nigel [Farage] and us at Reform. You know who you are.”
Farage laid flowers near Widdecombe's home on Saturday. He said that for people in public life and "especially in politics, the world is very much more dangerous than it's ever, ever been".
Widdecombe was a devout Christian and dedicated politician, serving as the Conservative MP for Maidstone for 23 years and later joining the Brexit Party. In 2023 she joined Reform UK as its Immigration and Justice spokesperson.
In her later years, she found fame and a legion of fans with TV appearances on Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother.
She was outspoken on the causes close to her heart, including free speech, the rights of the unborn, and the plight of persecuted Christians. She opposed assisted suicide and had challenged transgender ideology.
