Former Conservative MP and Reform UK member Ann Widdecombe has been found dead at her home in Haytor, Dartmoor. The 78-year-old was discovered with serious injuries, and police are currently investigating her death.
Widdecombe had a long and distinguished career in politics, serving as a Conservative MP for Maidstone from 1987 to 2010. During her time in government, she held several ministerial positions under Sir John Major. After losing her seat, she went on to appear on the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing in 2010 and later became a member of Nigel Farage's Brexit Party.
As an MEP representing South West England in Brussels from 2019 to 2020, Widdecombe was a vocal advocate for Brexit. She later became the immigration and justice spokeswoman for Reform UK and remained active in the media, appearing on TalkTV just a day before her death.
The official cause of death has not been released, but police believe Widdecombe was attacked at around 12:30 pm on Wednesday. The alarm was not raised until 11:40 am the next day, when officers were called to her remote bungalow in Haytor. A cordon remains in place around the property as police continue their investigation.
Widdecombe did not have any children, citing her preference for being alone and enjoying her own company. She was known for her openly celibate lifestyle and her views on sex before marriage.
Police have arrested a 26-year-old white male in connection with Widdecombe's death but have since released him from custody. Investigators say their priority is finding those responsible for her death and are urging anyone with information to come forward.
The investigation is ongoing, with Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman stating that detectives are working to establish the full circumstances surrounding Widdecombe's death. The police are deploying all necessary resources to find out what happened and are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.
The family of Ann Widdecombe has asked for their privacy to be respected as they come to terms with her death. Police have set up a major incident public portal for information, images, or footage to be submitted, and information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers.
