Authorities have detained a 26-year-old man on suspicion of murder in connection with the death of former government minister and Conservative Member of Parliament Ann Widdecombe. Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed the suspect, a white British citizen, was taken into custody in Newton Abbot, Devon, this past Friday.
Police discovered the 78-year-old, who served as a Reform UK spokesperson, at her residence in the rural Haytor area of Dartmoor on Thursday around 11:40 BST. She had sustained significant injuries. While counter-terrorism units initially participated in the investigation, officials have clarified that the event is not being classified as a terrorist act. Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman noted that there is no current evidence of a political motive.
Political leaders including Sir Keir Starmer, Kemi Badenoch, and Nigel Farage expressed deep shock and condolences. Widdecombe, who was known for her long tenure as the MP for Maidstone and her later television appearances, had been working with Reform UK since 2023. Forensic teams remain at her Haytor home, and officers are actively seeking witnesses or video footage from the surrounding area.
The Force Major Crime Investigation Team is leading the inquiry. Authorities have requested that the public refrain from speculation regarding the incident, emphasizing the emotional toll such reports take on the victim’s family and friends.
