A man is being held on suspicion of the murder of the former MP Ann Widdecombe as political leaders across the spectrum express shock and horror at her alleged killing.
Widdecombe’s body was found with “serious injuries” by the ambulance service at her home in Haytor, Devon, at 11.40am on Thursday, Devon and Cornwall police said.
Earlier on Friday, the force said it was seeking a white male in connection with the death but later confirmed a 26-year-old white British national had been arrested at an address in Newton Abbot, less than 10 miles from Widdecombe’s home. He remained in police custody while inquiries continued.
At a press conference in Exeter, the assistant chief constable Matt Longman said the force did not believe at this stage that the killing was politically motivated, and after an initial consultation with counter-terrorism officers, had ruled out a terrorist motive.
“It’s early stages of the investigation, so we remain open-minded at this time,” Longman said. “I’ve got no information to believe that that is a politically motivated crime.”
Longman would not be drawn on whether the suspect was known to Widdecombe.
The former Conservative minister’s next-of-kin had been informed and were being supported by specially trained officers, the force said.
Speaking at the front door of his home in Cheltenham, Widdecombe’s nephew Roger Widdecombe said: “My thanks go to everybody who has sent messages of condolences. But we are not going to say anything further at this stage.”
Detectives from the force’s major crime investigation team launched a murder investigation and were conducting extensive inquiries into the circumstances surrounding her death.
Widdecombe, who appeared on TalkTV on Wednesday, lived in Haytor Vale, a village within the Dartmoor national park, in a 1970s bungalow named Widdecombe’s Rest. A plaque with the name of the property was positioned at the end of her drive.
She was a Conservative MP from 1987 to 2010 for the Kent constituency of Maidstone, later Maidstone and the Weald. She became a member of the Brexit party in 2019 and served as an MEP, representing South West England, between 2019 and 2020. She was also a member of that party’s successor, Reform UK.
Later in life, she was just as well known for her media work, appearing on shows such as Celebrity Fit Club, Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother.
The circumstances of her death prompted shock and dismay among political leaders.
Keir Starmer said it was important to “rise above any political differences” and focus on helping the police investigation.
The prime minister said: “This is really shocking news, and my thoughts, I think all of our thoughts, will be with the family and friends of Ann Widdecombe at this awful time for them.
“Ann was a distinguished politician over many, many years with many achievements, and it’s a huge, huge loss.”
He added: “I’ve spoken to the chief constable this afternoon about the details and I think this is really important that this is a moment where we rise above any political differences, the political divide.”
A spokesperson for Andy Burnham, who is widely expected to become prime minister later this month, said: “Andy’s deepest condolences and thoughts are with Ann’s family today, in incredibly distressing circumstances.
“Ann gave a lifetime of public service, and it’s absolutely right that the police put all their resources into investigating this as swiftly as possible.”
Kemi Badenoch said she was “stunned” to hear about the murder inquiry. “To be honest, I’ve really struggled to find the words to say,” the Conservative leader told reporters.
“I don’t understand how someone could do something so horrific to an elderly person. It was a nasty, horrific attack and my heart is breaking for her family. It’s one thing when someone dies, but to know that they’ve been murdered in this horrible way is just awful.
“The Conservative party is reeling. Ann was a longstanding member of the Conservative party, she was a Conservative minister, and then she moved to Reform.”
Ed Davey said he was “really shocked and distressed” by the suspected murder. Writing on social media, the Lib Dem leader said: “She was a woman of deep faith who devoted her life to public service. The idea that she could have been murdered is truly horrifying. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and all who loved her.”
Roads were closed around the scene and a cordon was in place at the property while specialist officers continued forensic examinations.
The force said there would be a significant police presence in the area on Friday while detectives and officers conducted house-to-house and CCTV inquiries.
DCI Ilona Rosson said earlier in the day: “Our murder inquiry 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.
“I would appeal to anyone who may have information about this incident, however insignificant it may seem, to come forward and speak with us.
“We are particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have seen anything suspicious in the vicinity of Haytor Vale, Haytor, or anyone with CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage which could assist with our investigation.”
She said the extra police presence was also to provide reassurance to residents and anyone with concerns could approach officers.
“I would ask people not to speculate about what might have happened, particularly on social media. This is not only potentially harmful to our investigation but also deeply distressing for family and friends of Ann Widdecombe.”
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