A murder investigation has been launched into the death of Ann Widdecombe, the former Conservative minister and Reform UK spokesperson, who was found dead at her home in Haytor, Dartmoor, on Thursday, July 9, after suffering serious injuries. Devon and Cornwall Police announced that a 28-year-old man was arrested at an address in South Yorkshire on suspicion of her murder. The force also revealed that Widdecombe is believed to have been attacked at 12.30pm on Wednesday, nearly 24 hours before her body was discovered. The incident is not thought to be politically motivated.
Final Messages Revealed
Widdecombe's last movements are being pieced together. Her final televised appearance was on a TalkTV broadcast on Wednesday morning, discussing the upcoming Clacton by-election. She had been due to appear on Channel 5's Matt Allwright show via Zoom around the time of the alleged attack. ITV released correspondence between a producer and Widdecombe, showing that the producer asked 'Is everything okay Ann?' after she failed to join the call.
The full text exchange, published by ITV, reveals that Widdecombe said 'panic over!' just 12 minutes before police believe she was attacked. At 12.14pm, the researcher said they had not yet received her email address. Widdecombe replied at 12.15pm, saying 'Old age is a terrible thing.' After confirming her email address, she received the link at 12.19pm and wrote 'Received! Panic over!!' At 12.48pm, the researcher asked her to join the Zoom, but there was no answer. Two voice calls at 12.53pm and 1.05pm also went unanswered.
Arrest and Investigation
Devon and Cornwall Police stated: 'We can confirm that a 28-year-old man was arrested at an address in the South Yorkshire area this evening (July 11) on suspicion of the murder of Ann Widdecombe. The suspect, who is a white British national, is now in police custody. Miss Widdecombe’s family have been informed of this development.' The force was supported by Counter Terrorism Policing North East and South Yorkshire Police, but added: 'At this time, there is still no information to suggest that this is a terrorism-related incident.' A 26-year-old man previously arrested on suspicion of murder has been released and is no longer part of the investigation.
Police remain at the scene in Haytor, with a sizeable contingent inside the property, around the community, and on Dartmoor. Widdecombe's family have been informed of the arrest.
