Former Conservative minister and Reform UK spokesperson Ann Widdecombe was found dead at her home in Haytor, Devon, at around 11:40am on Thursday, July 9, 2026, after sustaining serious injuries. Devon and Cornwall Police have launched a major murder investigation, and a 28-year-old man was arrested in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, on suspicion of her murder.
Attack Timeline
It is believed Ms Widdecombe was attacked at around 12:30pm on Wednesday, July 8, nearly 24 hours before her body was discovered. Police have stated that the incident is not believed to be politically motivated.
On Wednesday, July 8, Ms Widdecombe was last seen publicly at 8am, when she was interviewed on Talk TV. At 12:19pm, she messaged a researcher on Channel 5's Matt Allwright show in preparation for being a guest, via video call from her home at 1pm. However, at 12:48pm, she failed to respond to a message from the researcher. The Matt Allwright show went ahead between 12:50pm and 2pm, but Ms Widdecombe failed to appear. At an unspecified time in the evening, ITN contacted her agent to raise concerns.
Discovery and Initial Investigation
On Thursday, July 9, at 11:40am, Ms Widdecombe was found dead in the kitchen with severe injuries. Her death was announced on Friday, July 10, at 7am. At 3:50pm that day, Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed that a murder probe was under way. At 5:50pm, police said a 26-year-old man was held on suspicion of murder.
On Saturday, July 11, at 6:35am, police said the 26-year-old man was released and is no longer a suspect. At 6pm, police stated they would not release additional information about the investigation. At 8pm, police released haunting final messages between the producer and Ann Widdecombe, in which the former MP was asked, 'Is everything ok?' At 9pm, a 28-year-old white British man was arrested on suspicion of murder in Rotherham, South Yorkshire.
Current Status
On Sunday, July 12, at 11:30am, police said they are not looking for another suspect in the case and appealed for information during a press conference. The investigation remains ongoing.
