A 26-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder following the death of former Conservative minister Ann Widdecombe, who was found dead at her home in Dartmoor, Devon, on Thursday morning.
Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed that officers were called to the property in Haytor by the ambulance service at approximately 11:40 a.m. on July 9. Ms. Widdecombe, 78, was found at the scene having sustained “significant injuries”.
On Friday, police confirmed they had arrested a 26-year-old British national at an address in Newton Abbot, roughly 10 miles from the scene of the incident. The suspect remains in police custody as of Friday evening.
Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman stated that while the investigation is moving at a “significant pace,” there is currently no information to suggest the crime was politically motivated or related to terrorism. Authorities continue to maintain an “open-minded” approach regarding the motive and have urged the public to avoid speculation, noting that such discourse is deeply distressing for the victim’s family.
A prominent figure in British public life, Ms. Widdecombe served as a Conservative Member of Parliament for 23 years, from 1987 to 2010, holding several ministerial positions under Prime Minister John Major, including serving as prisons minister. Following her parliamentary career, she became a notable television personality, appearing on programs such as Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother. In recent years, she remained active in politics as a vocal Eurosceptic, representing the Brexit Party as an MEP and later serving as an immigration and justice spokesperson for Reform UK.
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Prime Minister Keir Starmer led tributes to the late politician, describing the news as “shocking” and calling for national unity. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch expressed her profound sadness, calling Ms. Widdecombe a “formidable politician” who was never afraid to speak her mind. Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, echoed these sentiments, labeling her a “force of nature” and a “loyal ally”.
A police cordon remains in place at the Haytor property as forensic examinations continue. Detectives have appealed for anyone with CCTV, doorbell, or dashcam footage from the vicinity of Haytor Vale to come forward via the Major Incident Public Portal or by contacting local authorities.
