Devon and Cornwall Police have launched a murder investigation after the body of former MP Ann Widdecombe was discovered at her home in Haytor, Dartmoor, on Thursday, July 9. The 78-year-old was found with serious injuries, and police are now searching for a white male suspect.
Police Details
Officers were called to the property by the ambulance service at around 11:40 AM. In a statement, police said: "Sadly, 78-year-old Miss 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.
Detectives from the Force Major Crime Investigation Team have launched a murder inquiry. A police cordon remains in place, and several roads are closed as forensic examinations are conducted. Detective Chief Inspector Ilona Rosson described the case as "an extremely tragic incident" and added: "Our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of Ann Widdecombe at this difficult time."
Management Team Response
Ann Widdecombe's management, Cloud9 Management, initially announced her death on Thursday without details. Following the murder probe, they released a second statement saying they were "absolutely devastated" and fully support the police investigation. They urged anyone with information to contact Devon and Cornwall Police.
Political Reactions
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called the situation "shocking" and said: "Ann was a distinguished politician with many achievements. This is a moment where we should rise above political differences." He urged the public to assist police in finding the "clearly dangerous" suspect.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said she was "stunned" and sent condolences to Nigel Farage and Reform UK. She stated: "It was a nasty, horrific attack. My heart is breaking for her family." Nigel Farage posted on X: "When Ann Widdecombe decided to stand for The Brexit Party... it was a big moment... She played a decisive role in getting Brexit over the line."
Who Was Ann Widdecombe?
Ann Widdecombe was born in Bath in 1947 and studied Latin before reading Philosophy, Politics and Economics at Oxford. She served as Conservative MP for Maidstone for 23 years and was a Home Office and Employment minister under John Major from 1994 to 1997. A prominent Eurosceptic, she later became a Member of European Parliament for the Brexit Party from 2019 to 2020. In 2023, she joined Nigel Farage's Reform Party as immigration and justice spokesperson.
Outside politics, she appeared on Strictly Come Dancing in 2010 and Celebrity Big Brother in 2018. Her former dance partner Anton Du Beke paid tribute, saying: "I had the most brilliant time with Ann... she was fun, upbeat, positive, supportive."
Final Public Words
The day before her death, Widdecombe appeared on TalkTV to discuss Reform UK and Nigel Farage's decision to trigger a by-election in Clacton. She described him as "a very decisive man" who is "taking matters into his own hands."
