A 26-year-old man has been taken into custody on suspicion of murder in connection with the death of former Conservative MP and government minister Ann Widdecombe. Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed that the suspect, a white British national, was apprehended at a residential address in Newton Abbot, Devon, on Friday.
The 78-year-old former minister and Reform UK spokesperson was discovered by police at her home in the rural village of Haytor, situated on Dartmoor, at approximately 11:40 BST on Thursday. Authorities reported that she was found with serious injuries.
Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman addressed the media during a news conference on Friday, stating that while the investigation is in its early stages, there is currently no information to suggest the incident was a politically motivated crime. He added that it remains too early to confirm whether the suspect was personally known to Ms. Widdecombe. While counter-terror policing was involved in the initial stages of the inquiry, the incident is not being treated as an act of terrorism.
Specially trained officers are currently providing support to Ms. Widdecombe’s next of kin, who have been notified of her death. Assistant Chief Constable Longman has appealed for anyone with relevant information to come forward to assist the ongoing investigation.
The news of her death has drawn reactions from across the political spectrum. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described the event as “really shocking,” while Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch expressed that she was “stunned to hear this awful news.” Reform UK leader Nigel Farage also issued a statement, noting that he was “deeply, deeply upset by the nature of her death.”
