Police investigating the alleged murder of former MP and MEP Ann Widdecombe have stated they “are not looking for anyone else” after a 28-year-old man was arrested. The former Conservative minister and later Reform UK spokeswoman was found dead at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor at approximately 11:40am on Thursday after sustaining serious injuries.
Arrest Made in South Yorkshire
Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman of Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed that a 28-year-old white British man was arrested on suspicion of murder in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, shortly after 9pm on Saturday. The arrest was supported by Counter Terrorism Police. Longman told reporters on Sunday: “At this point, there is still no information to suggest that this is a terrorism-related incident and at this point we are not looking for anyone else in connection with this murder. At this stage, there is nothing to suggest that it was politically motivated.”
Investigation Details
Detectives remain open-minded about the potential motive, but Longman stressed there is no believed threat to the wider public. He urged the public not to engage with online speculation, calling it unhelpful and distressing to Widdecombe's family and friends. Devon and Cornwall Police previously stated that Widdecombe is believed to have been attacked on Wednesday at about 12:30pm.
Widdecombe's Background
Ann Widdecombe, aged 78, was first elected as a Conservative MP in Kent in 1987. She later served as an MEP for the Brexit Party and as a spokeswoman for Reform UK. Beyond politics, she gained fame appearing on Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother.
Police Response
Chief Constable James Vaughan of Devon and Cornwall Police described the force's response as “an extraordinary response to a horrific murder of a very prominent public figure.” He added, “The operation has been running at a lightning pace for 48 hours. I am really pleased that we have a suspect firmly in custody and that will undergo some further work from us today. Well done to all – this is clearly British policing at its very best.”
Tributes and Security Measures
Widdecombe's personal driver of 10 years, Peter Horrell, laid flowers at her home on Saturday, stating she “never mentioned any fear” for her safety and loved living in Haytor. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage also visited the village to pay tribute. He reported that the party had reviewed emails for patterns of abuse directed at Widdecombe but found nothing. Following her death, Reform's MPs are reportedly receiving 24-hour security protection. ITV News published WhatsApp images suggesting Widdecombe stopped responding to messages after the approximate time of the attack on Wednesday.
