Man, 26, Arrested After Former UK Minister Ann Widdecombe Found Dead at Devon Home
By Muhammad Irfan
SCN NEWS DESK
A 26-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after former British government minister Ann Widdecombe was found dead with serious injuries at her home in Devon, police have confirmed.
Devon and Cornwall Police said officers arrested the suspect at an address in Newton Abbot on Friday. The man, described by police as a white British national, remains in custody while detectives continue their investigation.
Widdecombe, 78, was discovered at her home in Haytor, near Dartmoor, after emergency services were called at approximately 11:40 a.m. on Thursday, July 9. Police said she had suffered serious injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities have opened a murder investigation but stressed that the arrest does not mean the suspect has been charged or convicted. Detectives have not publicly identified the man or disclosed what evidence led to his arrest.
Police said the incident is not being treated as terrorism and that investigators currently have no information indicating Widdecombe’s death was politically motivated.
It is also too early to establish whether the arrested man knew Widdecombe, according to investigators. Police have not released a potential motive or further details about the nature of her injuries.
“Our priority is to establish the full circumstances surrounding Ann’s death,” police said as specialist officers continued forensic examinations and inquiries in the area.
The investigation is expected to include searches for CCTV, doorbell-camera and dashcam footage, alongside interviews with neighbours and other potential witnesses.
Political leaders express shock
Prime Minister Keir Starmer described news of the murder investigation as shocking and paid tribute to Widdecombe’s long career in public service.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said she was stunned by what she described as a horrific incident. Tributes also came from political figures across party lines, including members of Reform UK, the party Widdecombe represented during the final years of her political career.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage called Widdecombe an extraordinary woman and praised her commitment to the causes she supported.
Who was Ann Widdecombe?
Widdecombe was one of Britain’s most recognisable conservative political figures.
She served as the Conservative member of Parliament for Maidstone and later Maidstone and The Weald from 1987 until 2010—a parliamentary career spanning 23 years.
During her time in government, she held ministerial positions under Conservative Prime Minister John Major, including roles in the Home Office and Department of Employment.
Widdecombe became known for her strongly held socially conservative views, forceful debating style and willingness to challenge members of her own party.
After leaving the House of Commons, she maintained a prominent public profile through political commentary, writing and television appearances. She competed on the BBC programme “Strictly Come Dancing” and later appeared on “Celebrity Big Brother.”
A committed supporter of Britain’s withdrawal from the European Union, Widdecombe subsequently joined the Brexit Party and served as a member of the European Parliament. She later became a spokeswoman for Reform UK.
Investigation remains at an early stage
Police have urged the public not to speculate about the suspect, his relationship to Widdecombe or a possible motive while inquiries continue.
No charges had been announced at the time of publication.
Widdecombe’s family has been informed and is being supported by specially trained officers. Police are expected to release further information as the investigation progresses.
Anyone with relevant footage or information from the Haytor and wider Dartmoor area has been asked to contact Devon and Cornwall Police.