Devon and Cornwall Police have launched a murder investigation into 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. A manhunt is underway for a white male the police believe is responsible. Widdecombe, who lived alone, was discovered by her carer.
Detective Chief Inspector Ilona Rosson said: ‘This is an extremely tragic incident and our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of Ann Widdecombe at this difficult time. Our murder enquiry is in its early stages but moving at a significant pace. We are deploying all of the necessary resources to find out exactly what has happened and to locate the person responsible who we believe to be a white male. I would appeal to anyone who may have information about this incident, however insignificant it may seem, to come forward and speak with us.’
A cordon remains is currently 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: ‘She was a formidable politician who was never afraid to speak her mind and fought hard for what she believed. Always true to herself, her politics were strongly guided by her faith and her values.’
