A 28-year-old man has been arrested in South Yorkshire on suspicion of the murder of former MP and MEP Ann Widdecombe, police have confirmed. The suspect, described as a white British national, is now in police custody.
Discovery of the Body
Ann Widdecombe was found dead at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor at around 11:40am on Thursday, July 9, after sustaining serious injuries. The former Conservative minister and later Reform UK spokesperson was 78 years old.
Devon and Cornwall Police issued a statement late on Saturday, July 11, confirming the arrest. The statement read: “We can confirm that a 28-year-old man was arrested at an address in the South Yorkshire area this evening (July 11) on suspicion of the murder of Ann Widdecombe. The suspect, who is a white British national, is now in police custody. Miss Widdecombe’s family have been informed of this development.”
Investigation and Counter-Terrorism Support
The arrest was carried out with support from Counter Terrorism Policing North East and South Yorkshire Police on behalf of Devon and Cornwall Police. However, authorities have stressed that there is no indication of a terrorism-related motive. The statement added: “We were supported by Counter Terrorism Policing North East and South Yorkshire Police who carried out the arrest on behalf of Devon & Cornwall Police. At this time, there is still no information to suggest that this is a terrorism related incident and as a force we retain primacy of the investigation.”
Background on Ann Widdecombe
Ann Widdecombe served as a Conservative Member of Parliament for Maidstone and later for Maidstone and The Weald from 1987 to 2010. She held ministerial roles including Minister of State for Prisons and Minister of State for Home Affairs. After leaving the Conservative Party, she became a spokesperson for the Brexit Party and later Reform UK. She was also a well-known television personality, appearing on shows such as Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother.
The investigation continues, with police appealing for anyone with information to come forward. A post-mortem examination is expected to be conducted in due course.
