A 26-year-old man has been arrested this evening by Devon and Cornwall police in connection with the ‘suspicious’ death of Ann Widdecombe. The firebrand former MP, 78, was found dead at her Devon home on Thursday morning after sustaining a serious head wound. Widdecombe, who lived alone, was discovered covered in blood by her cleaner.
Devon and Cornwall Police Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman said there is ‘no information’ at this time to imply the murder was a ‘politically motivated crime’. He added that the incident is not being treated as terror-related. Asked by journalists whether the suspect, a white British national, was known to the victim, he responded: ‘We remain open-minded throughout the investigation, and we’re making those enquiries. So [it is] too early for me to comment further on that at this time.’
A cordon remains in place at Widdecombe’s property as specialist officers continue forensic examinations. There are also road closures around the scene as detectives and officers conduct house-to-house and CCTV enquiries. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood described the incident as ‘extremely distressing’ and insisted ‘the Home Office stands ready to provide whatever support they need with their ongoing investigation’. Sir Keir Starmer this evening described the tragedy as a moment to ‘rise above any political differences’. The Prime Minister said he had spoken to Nigel Farage, Kemi Badenoch and Andy Burnham.
Widdecombe served as the Tory MP for Maidstone – later Maidstone and the Weald – between 1987 and 2010, holding several ministerial positions in Sir John Major’s government. In 2019, she joined Farage’s Brexit party and served as an MEP for South West England until 2020. In her final years, she remained an active campaigner for Reform. Widdecombe also shot to stardom after appearing in the 2010 series of Strictly Come Dancing, surviving all the way to the semi-finals thanks to the public vote.
Politicians from across the political spectrum offered their condolences to Widdecombe’s family this morning, sharing memories of a politician with an unwavering commitment to her Christian values and public service. Farage recalled that, when Widdecombe joined the Brexit party, ‘it was a big moment and huge boost’. He said: ‘The voters loved her. She played a decisive role in getting Brexit over the line and will be missed by us all.’
Kemi Badenoch said: ‘To be honest, I’ve really struggled to find the words to say. Ann Widdecombe was a very fun and feisty woman who spoke her mind. I don’t understand how someone could do something so horrific to an elderly person. It was a nasty, horrific attack and my heart is breaking for her family.’
