Man arrested on suspicion of murder after Ann Widdecombe found dead

A major murder investigation is underway in Devon following the death of Ann Widdecombe, the former Conservative minister and Reform UK spokesperson. The 78-year-old politician was found dead with serious injuries at her home in the Dartmoor village of Haytor on Thursday morning. A 26-year-old white British man was arrested at an address in Newton Abbot on Friday on suspicion of her murder.

Devon and Cornwall Police Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman confirmed the launch of a murder investigation, noting that while the inquiry is in its early stages, it is moving at a significant pace. Authorities have explicitly stated that the incident is not being treated as terrorism and, at this stage, investigators have no information to suggest the crime was politically motivated. Forensic examinations at the property remain ongoing, with police maintaining a cordon and conducting house-to-house and CCTV inquiries.

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The death of Ms Widdecombe has prompted a swift and cross-party response. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer stated that the whole country will be utterly shocked by the awful news. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage described her passing as a terrible reflection on modern Britain, while adding that he was deeply, deeply upset by the nature of her death. Writing on social media, Farage addressed the uncertainty surrounding the circumstances:

"We don’t know what political motives there are, whether they exist at all. Was it a burglary gone wrong? We just don’t know. And I’m not going to speculate at this stage. I’m pleased the police are doing their job."

Nigel Farage, Reform UK leader, via Manchestereveningnews

Reports from the local area have added detail to the inquiry; a neighbour claimed to have observed a man dressed in hiking gear near the property during the night before the body was discovered. Locals in the tight-knit community of Haytor expressed shock, noting that the chalet-bungalow where Ms Widdecombe had lived since 2010 was relatively isolated and lacked high-level security measures.

Ms Widdecombe’s career spanned decades, beginning with her election as the MP for Maidstone in 1987. She served as prisons minister during the government of Sir John Major and later became a prominent Brexit Party MEP and a vocal figure in Reform UK. Beyond her political career, she gained widespread public recognition for her appearances on television programmes including Strictly Come Dancing. Friends and former colleagues expressed their grief, with Katie Amess, daughter of the late Sir David Amess, noting the close friendship Ms Widdecombe shared with her father. Other political figures, including Andy Burnham, praised her conviction and wit.

Despite her high profile, those who knew her described a woman who was resolutely comfortable in her own company and who lived in a relatively isolated setting. Her former special advisor, Adam Newton, noted that while she was well-known in the community, she was also a private individual who enjoyed walking on the moor.

As the investigation continues, authorities have urged the public to refrain from speculation. Devon and Cornwall Police have established a public portal for anyone with information or footage to come forward.

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• Suspect Status: The 26-year-old male remains in police custody.
• Security Concerns: Amid broader concerns regarding the safety of public figures, Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle, who established the Speakers’ Conference in 2024 to examine security risks faced by MPs, has noted that the investigation must take its course.