Ann Widdecombe's final text exchange has been revealed, showing she said "panic over!" in a message to television producers just 12 minutes before her death last week. Police are investigating whether the former Conservative, Brexit Party and Reform politician was murdered after she was found dead at her home in Hayton Vale, Devon, on Thursday, nearly 24 hours after police believe she died at 12.30pm on Wednesday.
Final Text Exchange Released by ITV
ITV, which previously confirmed having been in communication with Widdecombe moments before her death, released the full text exchange between a producer of Channel 5's Matt Allwright show and the politician. She had been due to appear on the show via Zoom at the time she is believed to have been attacked.
The exchange began at 12.14pm with the researcher saying "Not yet. Looked a few seconds ago!" and continued with Widdecombe clarifying a confusion about an email. At 12.18pm, she wrote: "Received! Panic over!!" At 12.48pm, the researcher asked her to join the Zoom, but calls at 12.53pm, 1.05pm and 1.14pm went unanswered. The producer then asked: "Hi Ann is everything okay?"
Police Investigation and Manhunt
Devon and Cornwall Police have launched a manhunt for Widdecombe's possible killer after releasing a previous suspect, arrested on suspicion of murder, from custody on Saturday morning. Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman said no further information would be issued regarding the investigation. A sizeable police presence remains around Widdecombe's house and the Dartmoor moors.
Nigel Farage's Response
Nigel Farage, who said he was expecting Widdecombe to help him campaign for his upcoming by-election in Clacton, spoke about bringing her suspected killer to justice. He said: "Whatever the outcome of the motives of a killer, and let's just hope and pray, this is not a Jill Dando type case where they don't find a person. I believe with modern technology they will." He added: "There are no words that I can utter that somebody who's committed this act of barbarity against an innocent 78-year-old lady who wouldn't harm a fly. I just hope that the killer is caught as quickly as possible and brought to justice."
