British police have released a 26-year-old man who was previously taken into custody as a suspect in the death of Ann Widdecombe, a former member of Parliament and well-known television personality. Officials from the Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed on Saturday that the individual is no longer under active investigation.
The 78-year-old Widdecombe was discovered deceased on Thursday at her isolated residence in the village of Haytor, situated on the edge of Dartmoor National Park in southwest England. While authorities have not officially released a cause of death, they noted she had sustained “serious injuries.” Investigators believe the attack occurred around 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, after concerns were raised when she missed a scheduled television interview that afternoon.
Despite the release of the suspect, who had been arrested in a nearby town on Friday, police maintain that the investigation is proceeding “at a significant pace.” Authorities have stated they do not believe there is a broader risk to the public and have indicated there is no evidence suggesting the incident was politically motivated or an act of terror.
Widdecombe’s death has resonated deeply throughout the United Kingdom, where she was a prominent figure for decades. Known for her socially conservative views—including opposition to abortion and the expansion of LGBTQ rights—she served as a member of the House of Commons from 1987 to 2010. During her time in office, she held roles such as prisons minister within Prime Minister John Major’s Conservative government. Following her parliamentary career, she gained wider fame as a contestant on “Strictly Come Dancing” and “Celebrity Big Brother,” and later served as a member of the European Parliament for the Brexit Party before joining the anti-immigration Reform UK party as a spokesperson.
Political leaders have expressed their shock and condolences. Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the news as “really shocking,” while Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch stated she struggled to find words, calling it a “nasty, horrific attack.” Reform UK leader Nigel Farage expressed deep upset, suggesting that public life has become increasingly dangerous. Concerns regarding the safety of politicians remain a sensitive topic in the UK, following the high-profile murders of MPs Jo Cox in 2016 and David Amess in 2021.
She later joined the Brexit Party, briefly serving as a member of the European Parliament before Britain left the European Union in 2020. Most recently, she joined the anti-immigration Reform UK party, often appearing in the media as a spokesperson.
Friends and colleagues contrasted her pugnacious political statements with her personal kindness and good humor.
