UK Police Arrest 26-Year-Old Man in Murder of Ann Widdecombe
Article excerpt
Ann Widdecombe, the 77-year-old former Conservative MP and veteran of British political life, was found dead at her home on Dartmoor on Thursday with what police described as serious injuries. A 26-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder the following day, with Devon and Cornwall Police Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman stating that investigators found no information to suggest the killing was an act of terrorism or politically motivated. What began on Friday morning with no initial suggestion of suspicious circumstances shifted quickly once the circumstances of her death became clearer. Widdecombe was one of the most recognizable figures in British public life, serving as a Conservative MP for 23 years before becoming a prominent voice for Brexit and, later, a candidate for Nigel Farage's Reform UK party. Beyond politics, she was a familiar face to British television audiences through appearances on Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother, making her genuinely famous in living rooms far removed from Westminster. Tributes from across the political spectrum poured in almost immediately. The investigation remains active, and police have not released details about the suspect or a suspected motive.
LONDON, Police in southwest England said Friday that the death of former Conservative minister Ann Widdecombe will be investigated as a murder.
The 78-year-old, a former MEP and staunch Brexiteer who found popularity on reality competition shows, was found dead in her home in Devon on Thursday with evidence of “serious injuries,” according to the Devon and Cornwall police.
The police also said that a 26-year-old white British man has been arrested on suspicion of murder, and will remain in custody while inquiries continue. They confirmed that they are not treating the incident as terrorism, and urged the public not to speculate on social media about the motives of the killer.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said it was important to “rise above any political differences” and focus on catching Ann Widdecombe’s killer. He described the former MP as a “distinguished politician” with “many achievements” and said her death was a “huge, huge loss.”
Tributes had been paid throughout the day to Widdecombe, who served for years as a Conservative member of parliament and had backed Reform UK since 2023.
Reform leader Nigel Farage said Widdecombe had a “decisive role in getting Brexit over the line” when she stood as a Brexit Party candidate in 2019.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch described Widdecombe Friday as a “formidable politician,” and told Sky News she had been “stunned” to hear of the “nasty and horrific attack.” She extended her condolences to Farage and members of Reform, saying, “We have both lost a friend.”
Former Conservative leader Iain Duncan Smith said on the Today program that she “gave her opinions even if you didn’t necessarily look for them.”
A spokesperson for Starmer said: “The Prime Minister was saddened to hear of the death of Ann Widdecombe. She was a distinctive figure in British politics for many years, and he pays tribute to the conviction and dedication with which she served her country.”
This developing story has been updated with additional details.