Ann Widdecombe murder: Man, 26, arrested on suspicion of the murder of former MP Ann Widdecombe
A man has been arrested at an address in Newton Abbot on suspicion of the murder of Ann Widdecombe
A 26-year-old white British man has been arrested on suspicion of the murder of former MP and minister Ann Widdecombe.
The death is not being treated as terror-related, Devon and Cornwall Police said.
Police Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman told reporters at a press conference on Friday: “A 26-year-old man was arrested in Newton Abbot this afternoon on suspicion of the murder of Ann Widdecombe.
“The suspect, who is a white British national, remains in police custody while inquiries continue.
“While we work closely with our partners and consulted counter-terrorism policing as part of our initial inquiries, the incident is not being treated as terrorism.
“A cordon remains in place at the property, while specialist officers continue forensic examinations. There are road closures in place around the scene, and the public will see significant police activity in the area while detectives and other officers continue house-to-house and CCTV inquiries.
“This is an extremely tragic incident. Our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of Miss Widdecombe in this very difficult time.”
Asked by reporters whether Widdecombe’s death was politically-motivated, he said: “No, at this time, again it’s early stages of the investigation, so we remain open-minded at this time.
“I’ve got no information to believe that that is a politically motivated crime.”
He said it was too early to comment when asked if the suspect was known to Ms Widdecombe.
“We remain open-minded throughout the investigation, and we’re making those inquiries,” said Mr Longman.
“It’s too early for me to comment further on that at this time.”
Devon and Cornwall Police said they were called to the 78-year-old’s home in Haytor - near Newton Abbott in Devon - at around 11.40am on Thursday by the ambulance service.
Widdecombe was found dead inside at her home, having sustained “serious injuries”.
Police said her next-of-kin have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers.
Detective Chief Inspector Ilona Rosson said: "This is an extremely tragic incident and our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of Ann Widdecombe at this difficult time.
“Our murder enquiry is in its early stages but moving at a significant pace. We are deploying all of the necessary resources to find out exactly what has happened and to locate the person responsible who we believe to be a white male.
“I would appeal to anyone who may have information about this incident, however insignificant it may seem, to come forward and speak with us.
"We are particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have seen anything suspicious in the vicinity of Haytor Vale, Haytor, or anyone with CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage which could assist with our investigation.
"We have an increased uniformed police presence in the area to both support the investigation and provide reassurance to residents. Anyone with concerns can speak with our officers at the scene.
“We will release further information when we are able to do so. In the meantime I would ask people not to speculate about what might have happened, particularly on social media. This is not only potentially harmful to our investigation but also deeply distressing for family and friends of Ann Widdecombe.”
Kemi Badenoch said she was “stunned” to hear the news, saying her “heart is breaking for her family”.
The Conservative leader told reporters: “I’ve been stunned to hear this awful news.
“To be honest, I’ve really struggled to find the words to say. Ann Widdecombe was a very fun and feisty woman who spoke her mind and she was 78 years old, she was an elderly woman.
“I don’t understand how someone could do something so horrific to an elderly person. It was a nasty, horrific attack and my heart is breaking for her family.
“It’s one thing when someone dies, but to know that they’ve been murdered in this horrible way is just awful.
“The Conservative Party is reeling. Ann was a long-standing member of the Conservative Party, she was a Conservative minister, and then she moved to Reform.
“I’m sure they’re just as stunned as we are, and I extend my condolences to Nigel Farage and everyone in Reform on behalf of the Conservative Party, because we’ve both lost a friend.”
Sir Keir Starmer said it was “really shocking news”, praising the former MP as a “distinguished politician”.
Asked whether Widdecombe’s murder is believed to have been politically motivated, Starmer said the security of politicians “is of the utmost importance” but he would not speculate on any potential motive.
The Prime Minister said: “It’s really important we remain vigilant. I’m not going to speculate about this particular case.
“The chief constable has briefed me on the details as they’re known at the moment, but I think it’s very important for us to have in our thoughts the family and friends of Ann Widdecombe and, to be clear, the single most important thing at the moment is that the suspect is apprehended as quickly as possible by the police.
“And I urge everybody listening or watching this who’s got any information at all which may be of assistance to the police to come forward to make sure that someone who is clearly dangerous is apprehended as quickly as possible, and the police investigation can proceed on that basis.”
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has urged the public to refrain from speculation over the death of Widdecome, describing the circumstances as “extremely distressing”.
In a post on X, Mahmood said: “I am deeply saddened to hear of the death of Ann Widdecombe. The circumstances of her death are extremely distressing and my thoughts are with Ann’s family and loved ones.
“Ann’s dedication to public service was decades long, and she was a true servant of her constituents.
“I have spoken to the Chief Constable of Devon and Cornwall police today. The Home Office stands ready to provide whatever support they need with their ongoing investigation.
“I urge everyone to avoid speculation and allow the police investigation to progress.”
Widdecombe’s management team, Cloud9 Management, said they were “absolutely devastated” by the news the police had launched a murder investigation into her death.
The statement said: “We are absolutely devastated by this news following a very traumatic and upsetting 24 hours.
“We fully support the police in their investigations and we reiterate the family’s desire not to be contacted at this difficult time. We implore anyone who may have relevant information to contact Devon & Cornwall Police.”
Sir Ed Davey, the Liberal Democrat leader, said he was “really shocked and distressed”. Writing on social media, he said: “I’m really shocked and distressed at the news about Ann Widdecombe.
“She was a woman of deep faith who devoted her life to public service. The idea that she could have been murdered is truly horrifying.
“My thoughts and prayers are with her family and all who loved her.”
Widdecombe was a Conservative MP between 1987 and 2010 for the Kent constituency of Maidstone, later Maidstone and the Weald, and held several ministerial positions in Sir John Major’s government.
She famously clashed with her Conservative colleague Michael Howard, when she was a Home Office minister and he home secretary, describing him as having “something of the night about him”.
Widdecombe also faced flak for defending a policy of chaining pregnant prisoners to their beds.
She later became a Brexit Party MEP and subsequently a Reform UK spokeswoman.
She also found fame outside politics after starring in Strictly Come Dancing.
Strictly’s Anton Du Beke has said he is “devastated” to hear that Widdecombe has died. The pair were partnered together on the BBC One dancing programme in 2010.
In a video shared on X prior to police announcing they had launched a murder investigation into her death, he said: “I had the most brilliant time with Ann on Strictly Come Dancing.
“She became a real friend. She was fun. She was upbeat. She was positive. She was supportive.
“We had an incredible time together and we stayed firm friends.
“My thoughts go out to all of her nearest and dearest and all her family. This is a sad day and I’m devastated by the news of Ann’s passing but I shall remember her fondly, and miss her.”