Devon and Cornwall Police have initiated a murder investigation following the death of former Conservative minister and Reform UK spokeswoman Ann Widdecombe. A 26-year-old white British man was arrested in Newton Abbot, approximately 10 miles from the scene, on Friday in connection with the incident and remains in police custody.
Emergency services were called to the 78-year-old’s home in the Dartmoor village of Haytor at around 11:40 BST on Thursday morning. Officers discovered her deceased with serious injuries. While her management team initially announced her death on Friday morning without providing specific details regarding the circumstances, police later confirmed the launch of a formal murder probe. A significant police presence, including several patrol cars and a van, remains stationed at the property.
Detective Chief Inspector Ilona Rosson described the incident as “extremely tragic” and urged anyone with information to come forward. Prior to the arrest, investigators had been searching for a white male suspect, noting that the case was progressing at a significant pace. Widdecombe’s management team stated they were “absolutely devastated” by the development following what they described as a “very traumatic and upsetting 24 hours,” adding that the news would be a great shock to her many colleagues and friends.
The political and public reaction has been widespread. Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the news “shocking” and noted he had consulted with Speaker Lindsay Hoyle, Kemi Badenoch, Nigel Farage, and Andy Burnham to urge national unity. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch expressed that she was “stunned” and that her heart was breaking for the family. Andy Burnham, referring to her lifetime of public service, also offered his condolences. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood described the circumstances of Ann S’s death as “extremely distressing”, adding that her “thoughts are with Ann’s family and loved ones” and appealed for the public to avoid speculation to allow the police investigation to proceed.
Born in Bath in 1947, Widdecombe studied at Birmingham and Oxford Universities before a 23-year career as the MP for Maidstone. She served as a Home Office and employment minister under John Major from 1994 to 1997. Following her parliamentary career, she became a prominent television personality, appearing on Strictly Come Dancing in 2010 and Celebrity Big Brother in 2018. Her former dance partner, Anton Du Beke, described the news as the “saddest of news,” recalling their “incredible time together.” Widdecombe was also a staunch supporter of the UK’s departure from the EU, becoming an MEP for the Brexit Party, representing South West England in the European Parliament between 2019-2020, before joining Reform UK in 2023 as an immigration and justice spokesperson.
Here is everything we know – and do not know – about the probe so far:
Widdecombe was born in Bath, Somerset, in 1947 and went on to study Latin at Birmingham University, then philosophy, politics and economics at Oxford University.
