Police believe Ann Widdecombe was attacked the day before her body was found as the murder investigation into the former Tory MP's death continues. Ms Widdecombe, who was the Reform UK spokesperson for Immigration and Justice, was found dead at her home in Haytor, Devon, on Thursday morning (July 9) having suffered serious injuries.
Investigation Update: Arrest and Release
Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed yesterday the force had opened a murder investigation. It was announced this morning that the 26-year-old man arrested on suspicion had been released from custody and is no longer part of the investigation.
In an update this afternoon, a senior officer said police believe Ms Widdecombe was attacked on Wednesday, July 8 at around 12.30pm. Her last media appearance took place that morning when she appeared on a live broadcast on Talk TV to discuss Reform UK leader Nigel Farage calling a by-election in Clacton.
Search for Suspect
The search for a suspect, believed to be a white male, is ongoing. The incident is not being treated as terrorism or politically motivated.
Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman said: “Our priority remains identifying those responsible and ensuring that all available evidence is thoroughly examined. 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.”
Timeline of Events
“Officers were called to Miss Widdecombe’s home at Haytor by the ambulance service at around 11.40am on Thursday, July 9. Sadly, 78-year-old Ms Widdecombe was located deceased within the property. She had sustained serious injuries. Her next-of-kin have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers,” Longman added.
“Detectives from the Force Major Crime Investigation Team have launched a murder investigation and are conducting extensive enquiries into the circumstances surrounding Miss Widdecombe’s death. We believe the attack took place on Wednesday 8 July at around 12.30pm. Our enquiries are moving at pace for a suspect who is believed to be a white male.”
Scene and Public Appeal
A cordon remains in place at the property while specialist officers continue forensic examinations. There are road closures in place around the scene. The public will see a significant police presence in the area while detectives and officers conduct house-to-house and CCTV enquiries.
Police are continuing to appeal for anyone with information to come forward. Assistant Chief Constable Longman added: “Our murder enquiry is in its early stages but moving at a significant pace. We are deploying all of the necessary resources to find out exactly what has happened. I would appeal to anyone who may have information about this incident, however insignificant it may seem, to come forward and speak with us.”
Background on Ann Widdecombe
Ms Widdecombe was in the Conservative Party for many years serving as a Prisons Minister in the 1990s. She stepped down as an MP in 2010 before defecting to the Brexit Party in 2019 and representing the party as an MEP. She stayed in the party when it became Reform UK. She also stayed in the public eye through appearances on political talk shows and reality TV such as Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother.
Devon & Cornwall Police has set up a Major Incident Public Portal where information, images or footage can be submitted. It can be found on the force's website. Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers.
