Police are continuing to question a 28-year-old white British man over the suspected murder of Ann Widdecombe, the former Conservative minister and later Reform UK spokeswoman. She was found dead at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor at about 11:40am on Thursday after sustaining serious injuries.
Arrest and Investigation
The suspect was arrested at an address in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, on Saturday evening and remains in police custody. On Sunday, a substantial police presence was observed at a house in Byrley Road in the Kimberworth Park area of Rotherham, an address linked to the suspect, more than 200 miles from the victim's home in Devon.
Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman of Devon and Cornwall Police said on Sunday that the force is not looking for any other suspects. He stated: “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.”
Motive and Public Safety
Detectives remain open-minded about the potential motive, but Longman stressed there is no believed threat to the wider public. He added: “We are aware of online and public speculation, particularly with regards to motive. Again, I urge people not to share or engage with that speculation – it’s unhelpful, it doesn’t aid our investigation, and particularly, it’s distressing to the family and friends of Miss Widdecombe.”
The suspect was arrested shortly after 9pm on Saturday on suspicion of murder. Devon and Cornwall Police previously stated that Miss Widdecombe is believed to have been attacked on Wednesday at about 12:30pm.
Ann Widdecombe's Life and Career
Miss Widdecombe, who was 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.
Reform UK MPs Danny Kruger and Lee Anderson, home affairs spokesperson Zia Yusuf, and deputy leader Richard Tice paid their respects to Miss Widdecombe.
