A 26-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murdering former MP Ann Widdecombe has been released from custody and eliminated from the investigation, Devon and Cornwall Police announced on Saturday.
The ex-Tory prisons minister was found dead at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor on Thursday after sustaining serious injuries. She was 78. Widdecombe later served as a Brexit Party MEP and became a Reform UK spokeswoman.
Arrest and Release
The man was taken into custody on Friday but was released on Saturday without charge. Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman stated: 'Our priority remains identifying those responsible and ensuring that all available evidence is thoroughly examined.'
He added: 'Detectives continue to carry out numerous enquiries as part of the ongoing investigation and we remain committed to establishing the full circumstances surrounding the incident.'
Ongoing Investigation
Police have not disclosed further details about the suspect or the nature of the evidence that led to his release. The investigation remains active, with officers pursuing other lines of inquiry.
Widdecombe, a prominent figure in British politics, served as MP for Maidstone and later Maidstone and The Weald from 1987 to 2010. She held ministerial roles including Minister of State for Prisons under John Major, and later became a television personality on shows such as 'Strictly Come Dancing'.
Her death has prompted widespread tributes from political figures across the spectrum, with many recalling her distinctive voice and uncompromising views.
