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Police have confirmed that their investigation into the death of former Member of Parliament and Member of the European Parliament Ann Widdecombe is focused on one individual, with no other suspects being sought following the arrest of a 28-year-old man. Widdecombe, who was 78 years old and a former Conservative minister as well as a spokeswoman for Reform UK, was discovered dead in her Devon home on Thursday morning, having sustained serious injuries.
The timeline of events leading up to and following Widdecombe’s death became clearer over the weekend. On Wednesday morning, she appeared on TalkTV from her home in Haytor, Dartmoor, and later that day, she was contacted by a Channel 5 researcher about a possible statement. Police estimate that the attack occurred around 12:30 BST, after which Widdecombe ceased responding. The following day, emergency services were called to her residence and she was found deceased. Over the subsequent days, police launched a murder inquiry and initially arrested a 26-year-old man in nearby Newton Abbot, but he was later released as a suspect. The investigation continued with a manhunt for a white male believed to be connected to the crime until the arrest of a 28-year-old man in South Yorkshire late on Saturday night.
Authorities have emphasized that there is no evidence to suggest the killing was driven by political motives, and they have asked for the public’s assistance in providing information. Devon and Cornwall Police Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman stated that investigators remain open-minded about the motive but do not regard the public as being at risk. On Sunday, officials confirmed they are not looking for additional suspects and have informed Widdecombe’s family of the developments. Local police and the police and crime commissioner for the region have also advised the public to refrain from spreading speculation or posting unverified details online.
The response from the political sphere reflected shock and condolences following the announcement of Widdecombe’s death. The Prime Minister expressed his sympathy to her family and called for unity among political leaders. Prominent figures including Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch and Reform UK Chairman Richard Tice expressed their heartbreak, while Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood urged respect for the investigative process. Nigel Farage, standing near Widdecombe’s home, described her as a “remarkable individual” and a staunch defender of free speech. Ann Widdecombe’s long career included serving as an MP for Maidstone, ministerial roles under John Major’s government, and more recently, representing South West England as an MEP for the Brexit Party before joining Reform UK
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