Ann Widdecombe, the 78‑year‑old former MP, was found dead at her home on Dartmoor on Thursday after sustaining serious injuries, prompting police to treat the case as suspicious and launch a murder investigation.
Emergency services arrived at the Haytor residence around 11:40 a.m. and discovered Widdecombe with a severe head wound and her body covered in blood. Detectives from the Major Crime Investigation Team were immediately deployed to examine the circumstances.
A nationwide manhunt was initiated for a white male suspect. Police later arrested a 26‑year‑old man in Newton Abbot, though he was released pending further inquiries.
Investigators have said the inquiry remains open‑minded, with no evidence so far indicating a political motive or any link to terrorism. They have asked anyone with relevant information to come forward.
Widdecombe’s representatives issued a statement expressing profound grief and requesting privacy for the family, while affirming full cooperation with law‑enforcement efforts.
Political leaders responded with condolences; the Reform UK leader described Widdecombe as a “remarkable, principled woman,” while the prime minister urged the nation to rise above partisan differences and focus on justice.
During a live interview, journalist Adam Boulton referred to Widdecombe as a “spinster” and speculated about her personal relationships, remarks that were widely condemned as misogynistic and inappropriate given the circumstances.
Boulton subsequently issued an apology for his comments, acknowledging that they were offensive and unrelated to the investigation.
Local residents expressed shock, describing Widdecombe as a quiet, approachable neighbour who kept to herself. One neighbour recounted seeing a van arrive in the early hours of the morning on the day of the death.
Widdecombe served as a Conservative MP from 1987 to 2010, later becoming a Brexit Party MEP and Reform UK spokesperson. She was also known for television appearances, including a stint on a popular dance show and a reality‑tv series, and was a vocal social conservative on issues such as abortion and the death penalty.
