Police investigating the murder of Ann Widdecombe have stated there is “nothing to suggest it was politically motivated” and that they are “not looking for anyone else” in connection with her death. The update came during a press conference at Devon and Cornwall Police headquarters in Exeter.
Details of the Incident
The former MP and MEP, aged 78, was found dead in a “pool of blood” in the kitchen of her home in Haytor, Dartmoor on July 9. She had suffered “serious injuries” consistent with being repeatedly struck with a blunt object. A 28-year-old man, a white British national who has not yet been named, has been arrested in South Yorkshire and is now in police custody.
On Friday, Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed that a 26-year-old man, initially arrested in connection with the death, was released without charge and is no longer part of the investigation.
Timeline of Events
Miss Widdecombe was scheduled to appear on Channel 5's Matt Allwright show on Wednesday, July 8, but failed to turn up, prompting concerns for her welfare. She last appeared on TalkTV on Wednesday, just one day before her body was discovered. She had been in contact with a programme researcher from Channel 5, but went silent when they attempted to reach her for a Zoom interview from her home. She last sent a message at 12:19pm on Wednesday acknowledging she had received a Zoom link, which read “Received! Panic Over!” Phone calls and text messages sent following the broadcast went unanswered.
Police Statement
Devon and Cornwall Police Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman stated the case was “not being treated as terrorism” and there was “no information” currently suggesting it was a “politically-motivated crime”. He said the investigation was progressing at a “significant pace” and urged anyone with information to come forward. The force believes Miss Widdecombe was attacked on Wednesday at about 12:30pm, nearly 24 hours before she was found.
Background of Ann Widdecombe
Miss Widdecombe served as a Conservative MP from 1987 to 2010 for the Kent seat of Maidstone, later Maidstone and the Weald, and held various ministerial roles under Sir John Major's administration. After leaving Parliament, she participated in the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing in 2010, dancing with Anton du Beke, and reached the semi-finals. She joined Nigel Farage's Brexit Party in 2019 and worked as an MEP for South West England in Brussels from 2019 to 2020. She later served as immigration and justice spokesperson for Reform UK and continued her media work.
