Former MP Ann Widdecombe Found Dead at Dartmoor Home
Former Conservative MP and Strictly Come Dancing contestant Ann Widdecombe was discovered dead at her remote bungalow in Haytor, Dartmoor, on Thursday July 11, 2026. Her body lay undiscovered for approximately 24 hours before the alarm was raised. The 78-year-old was found in a pool of blood in her kitchen, having sustained serious injuries, according to Devon and Cornwall Police.
Timeline of Events
Widdecombe was last seen alive during a live interview on Talk TV at around 8am on Wednesday July 10. She was expected to appear on Channel 5’s Matt Allwright show at 1pm the same day but failed to join. A TV researcher sent her a message at 12.48pm requesting a Zoom call, but received no reply. Her phone also went unanswered. Police believe the attack occurred around 12.30pm Wednesday. The ambulance service alerted officers at approximately 11.40am Thursday, leading to the discovery of her body.
Arrests in the Investigation
A 26-year-old man was initially arrested on suspicion of murder but has since been released and is no longer a suspect. On Saturday July 12, a 28-year-old man was arrested at an address in South Yorkshire, around 270 miles north of Widdecombe’s home. He is described as a white British national and remains in custody. Counter-terrorism police assisted in the arrest, but the force confirmed there is no evidence linking the death to terrorism.
Police Statement
Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman said: “Our priority remains identifying those responsible and ensuring that all available evidence is thoroughly examined.” He noted the investigation is “moving at a significant pace” and appealed for anyone with information to come forward. A major incident public portal has been set up on the Devon and Cornwall Police website for submitting information, images, or footage. Anonymous tips can be passed to Crimestoppers.
Who Was Ann Widdecombe?
Widdecombe served as Conservative MP for Maidstone and the Weald from 1987 to 2010, holding ministerial roles in Sir John Major’s government. After leaving the Commons, she appeared on Strictly Come Dancing in 2010, partnered with Anton du Beke, and reached the semi-finals. She later joined the Brexit Party in 2019, serving as an MEP for South West England until 2020, and became immigration and justice spokeswoman for Reform UK. She remained active in media, appearing on Talk TV the day before her death.
Personal Life and Residence
Widdecombe lived alone in a remote bungalow in Haytor, Dartmoor, where a police cordon remains in place. She had no children and was openly celibate, once telling The Times: “I think that the brute truth is that I’ve enjoyed being alone. I love my own company. I’m the best company I know.” Her next-of-kin have been informed and are receiving support from specially trained officers.
Ongoing Investigation
Police are expected to release further updates later today. The official cause of death has not yet been confirmed. Authorities urge the public not to speculate on social media, as it could harm the investigation and cause distress to Widdecombe’s family and friends. The family has requested privacy as they come to terms with the tragedy.
