Shock as ex-UK Minister Ann Widdecombe found dead; murder probe begins
KAZEEM UGBODAGA
Former British Cabinet minister and Reform UK spokeswoman Ann Widdecombe has died at the age of 78 after she was found with serious injuries at her home in Haytor, Dartmoor, prompting police to launch a murder investigation.
Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed on Friday that Widdecombe was discovered dead inside her rural Devon home after officers were called by the ambulance service at about 11:40 a.m. BST on July 9.
The force said the former Conservative MP had sustained serious injuries, describing her death as suspicious.
Detectives from the Force Major Crime Investigation Team have since opened a murder inquiry and are searching for a white male believed to be connected to the incident.
Detective Chief Inspector Ilona Rosson said the investigation was progressing rapidly.
“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,” Rosson said.
She appealed to members of the public to provide any information that could assist investigators, particularly anyone who noticed suspicious activity around Haytor Vale or possesses CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage.
Rosson also urged the public to avoid speculation while investigations continue, warning that unverified claims could hamper the inquiry and cause further distress to Widdecombe’s family.
Police have maintained a heavy presence around the property as forensic experts continue examining the scene.
Earlier, Widdecombe’s management announced her death but did not disclose the circumstances. Following confirmation of the murder investigation, the management company described the development as “absolutely devastating” after what it called “a very traumatic and upsetting 24 hours.”
The statement added that the family fully supports the police investigation and appealed for privacy while urging anyone with relevant information to contact detectives.
Tributes have poured in from across Britain’s political divide.
Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch said she was “stunned” by the news, describing the attack as “nasty” and “horrific.”
“It is one thing when someone dies but to know they have been murdered in this horrible way is just awful,” she said, extending condolences to Widdecombe’s family and colleagues in Reform UK.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said she was “deeply saddened” by the former minister’s death and appealed to the public to allow investigators to carry out their work without speculation.
Widdecombe served as Conservative MP for Maidstone for 23 years and was a Home Office and Employment minister under former Prime Minister John Major. A prominent Brexit campaigner, she later became a Member of the European Parliament for the Brexit Party before joining Reform UK in 2023 as its immigration and justice spokesperson.
She had appeared on television just a day before she was found dead, discussing Reform UK and party leader Nigel Farage.
UPDATE:
Man, 26, arrested on suspicion of murdering Ann Widdecombe
A 26-year-old white British man was arrested at an address in Newton Abbot on Friday on suspicion of murdering Ann Widdecombe.
Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman of Devon and Cornwall Police made the announcement at a press conference on Friday afternoon. ~ The Telegraph
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(UKR)