DARTMOOR, DEVON — A major murder investigation is underway following the shocking death of former Conservative minister, Brexit Party MEP, and Reform UK spokeswoman Ann Widdecombe. She was 78 years old.
Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed this afternoon that officers were called to Widdecombe’s home at Haytor, near Newton Abbot on Dartmoor, by the ambulance service at 11:40 AM on Thursday, July 9th. She was tragically found deceased inside the property having sustained “serious injuries.”
The Force Major Crime Investigation Team has taken over the case, moving at a “significant pace” as they launch a massive manhunt. Detectives have revealed they are actively searching for a “white male” in connection with the horrific incident.
The Police Investigation
A heavy police presence remains at the scene today, with roads closed and a cordon in place around the 1970s bungalow, known as Widdecombe’s Rest. Specialist forensics officers are examining the property while detectives conduct house-to-house and CCTV inquiries.
Detective Chief Inspector Ilona Rosson, who is leading the inquiry, issued a stark public appeal:
“This is an extremely tragic incident and our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of Ann Widdecombe at this difficult time. 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.”
DCI Rosson has urged anyone with dashcam, doorbell, or CCTV footage in the vicinity of Haytor Vale to come forward immediately, while pleading with the public to avoid speculating on social media.
Political World Reacts in Shock
The sudden and violent passing of one of Britain’s most prominent and enduring political figures has sent shockwaves through Westminster.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his dismay, calling Widdecombe a “distinguished politician” and her death a “huge, huge loss.”
“It’s really important that this is a moment where we rise above any political differences, the political divide, and say the single most important thing at the moment is that all of us and the public help the police identify the individual suspected and make sure he’s arrested as quickly as possible,” Starmer stated. “He’s clearly dangerous.”
Conservative Party Leader Kemi Badenoch said she was left “stunned” by the news and extended her condolences to Reform UK’s Nigel Farage, adding, “We’ve both lost a friend.” Farage himself noted the enormous impact Widdecombe had on the political landscape, recalling how voters “loved her” during her time standing for the Brexit Party.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has urged the public not to speculate, describing the circumstances surrounding her death as “extremely distressing.”
A Life in the Public Eye
Ann Widdecombe was a fierce, formidable, and frequently controversial figure in British public life. Serving as the Conservative MP for Maidstone and The Weald from 1987 to 2010, she held several ministerial portfolios, including Prisons Minister. Outside of her political career, she captured a whole new generation of fans through her unforgettable appearances on Strictly Come Dancing and I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, cementing her status as a British eccentric and household name.
Her management agency, Cloud9 Management, released a statement saying they were “absolutely devastated” by the traumatic events, noting her life was deeply driven by “her strong Christian values and commitment to public service.”
What’s Next?
As the manhunt intensifies across the South West, Devon and Cornwall police have bolstered uniformed patrols in the Dartmoor area to provide reassurance to the local community. ABT NEWS has now received police update that a man has just been arrested in connection with the murder.
British police arrested the man on Friday on suspicion of murdering Ann Widdecombe after the 78-year-old former government minister and Reform UK politician was found dead having “sustained serious injuries.”
Police said the 26-year-old, white British man had been arrested in Newton Abbot, a town about 9 miles (15 km) from Widdecombe’s home in rural southwest England.
Devon and Cornwall police assistant chief constable Matt Longman said there was no information to suggest the murder was related to terrorism or had a political motive.
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