Devon and Cornwall Police have arrested a 28-year-old man in South Yorkshire on suspicion of the murder of former Conservative MP and Reform UK spokesperson Ann Widdecombe. The suspect, a white British national, is now in police custody after being taken into custody on Saturday evening, July 11.
Discovery of Body and Initial Investigation
Miss Widdecombe, 78, was found dead at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor at approximately 11.40am on Thursday, July 9, having sustained serious injuries. Police believe she was attacked on Wednesday at about 12.30pm. Her family has been informed of the arrest.
In a statement, Devon and Cornwall Police said: "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."
Support from Counter Terrorism Policing
The arrest was carried out with support from Counter Terrorism Policing North East and South Yorkshire Police. However, the force emphasized that there is no information to suggest this is a terrorism-related incident, and Devon and Cornwall Police retain primacy of the investigation.
Miss Widdecombe was first elected as a Conservative MP for Kent in 1987, later serving as an MEP for the Brexit Party and a spokesperson for Reform UK. She also gained fame outside politics for appearing on Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother.
Tributes and Security Measures
Her personal driver of 10 years, Peter Horrell, laid flowers outside her home on Saturday, stating that she "never mentioned any fear" for her safety and loved living in Haytor. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage also visited the village to pay tribute. Following her death, Reform UK MPs have been provided with 24-hour security, funded by the party, amid fears of similar attacks.
