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A 26-year-old man has been taken into custody on suspicion of murder following the death of Ann Widdecombe, the former MP and government minister. According to Devon and Cornwall Police, the suspect, a white British national, was arrested at a residence in Newton Abbot, Devon, on Friday and remains in police custody.
The 78-year-old Widdecombe, who had served as a Conservative minister and was a spokesperson for Reform UK, was discovered with severe injuries at her home in Haytor, a rural community on Dartmoor, Devon, by officers at approximately 11:40 BST on Thursday. Authorities have stated that counter-terrorism units were involved during the initial stages of the investigation, but the incident is not being treated as terrorism. Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman commented that there is currently “no information to believe that that is a politically motivated crime,” and he added it was too soon to determine whether the suspect had any prior connection to Widdecombe.
Widdecombe’s family has been informed of her passing, with specially trained officers providing support. Authorities are in the early phase of their inquiries and have called on the public to share any relevant information. The news has elicited shock and sadness from political figures. Sir Keir Starmer described the situation as “really shocking,” while Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch stated she was “stunned to hear this awful news.” Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, expressed he was “deeply, deeply upset by the nature of her death.”
Throughout her lengthy political career, Ann Widdecombe was MP for Maidstone in Kent for 23 years and held ministerial roles in the Home Office and employment department during Sir John Major’s government from 1994 to 1997. After leaving Parliament, she engaged in television appearances, including Strictly Come Dancing in 2010 and Celebrity Big Brother in 2018. A strong advocate for Brexit, she served as a Member of the European Parliament for South West England under the Brexit Party from 2019 to 2020. In 2023, Widdecombe joined Reform UK, formerly the Brexit Party, and acted as their immigration and justice spokesperson.
In a statement issued on Friday morning, Widdecombe’s agent confirmed her death but did not detail the circumstances. Later that day, her management released a follow-up message expressing devastation over the events of the past 24 hours. They emphasized their full support for the ongoing police investigation and requested privacy for the family during this difficult time. The Force Major Crime Investigation Team is leading the probe, with an increased uniformed police presence in the area to provide reassurance to the local community.
Neighbours and acquaintances have expressed their sorrow at the news. Susan Coish, a nearby resident, described Widdecombe as a “lovely lady” with a memorable personality, adding, “I can’t see why anybody would want to hurt her… it hasn’t sunk in yet actually.” Anton Du Beke, Widdecombe’s partner on Strictly Come Dancing, said he was “devastated” by the news, calling it the “saddest of news.”
Prominent politicians have also publicly expressed their condolences. Sir Keir Starmer noted the tragedy was “really shocking news,” with his thoughts extending to Widdecombe’s family and friends. The prime minister reported discussions with several leaders, including Kemi Badenoch, Nigel Farage, MP Andy Burnham, and House Speaker Lindsay Hoyle, emphasizing the need to “rise above any political differences” in this moment. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood described the circumstances surrounding Widdecombe’s death as “extremely distressing” and conveyed sympathy to her loved ones, noting that her office is ready to offer any necessary support. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage reflected on the loss by saying, “Our nation is a much, much poorer place without her. Reform UK is certainly a much worse place without her.” Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey also expressed that he was “really shocked and distressed” and spoke of Widdecombe as “a woman of deep faith who devoted her life to public service.”
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