Ann Widdecombe's final text messages to a television producer have been released following her death on July 8. The former Conservative MP, 78, was found dead at her home with serious injuries, prompting a murder investigation.
Final Communications Revealed
In a text chain shared by PoliticsUK, Widdecombe had been communicating with producers about a Zoom meeting link before her scheduled media appearance. One text to Channel 5 producers read: "We spoke. Sorry for the confusion. I can see now that what I refused today was extra time!! Old age is a terrible thing."
Her last text was sent just 30 minutes before she was due to appear. An unnamed producer wrote: "Just sent to this address, let me know if you've got it." Widdecombe replied: "Received! Panic over!!"
What followed were three texts and three attempted calls to the ex-Conservative MP. The producer wrote: "Amazing! Let me know if there's any issues. Hi Ann could you join the Zoom now please. Hi Ann is everything okay?"
Murder Investigation Underway
Devon and Cornwall Police stated on Saturday that it is believed Widdecombe was attacked on Wednesday at around 12:30pm. Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman said her death is being treated as suspicious but added: "We do not believe there is a wider risk to the public. Our inquiries are moving at pace for a suspect who is believed to be a white male."
Police initially arrested a 26-year-old white male on suspicion of murder, who was later released. A 28-year-old white British man has since been arrested on suspicion of murder in South Yorkshire.
Concerns for Widdecombe's welfare were raised when she failed to show up for a media appearance. She had been last seen alive during a Talk TV interview at 8am on the same day she was organizing appearances for the Matt Allwright show.
Political Career
Widdecombe was first elected as a Conservative MP in Kent in 1987. She later served as an MEP for the Brexit Party and as a spokeswoman for Reform UK.
