Police investigating the death of former MP and MEP Ann Widdecombe have released a 26-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder. The man is no longer part of the investigation, Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed on Saturday.
Death at Dartmoor Home
Miss Widdecombe, 78, was found dead at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor on Thursday after sustaining serious injuries. She served as a Conservative MP from 1987 to 2010 for Maidstone and later Maidstone and the Weald, and held ministerial roles under Sir John Major. After leaving Parliament, she gained fame on Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother, and later became a Brexit Party MEP and a Reform UK spokeswoman.
Investigation Update
Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman said: "Our priority remains identifying those responsible and ensuring that all available evidence is thoroughly examined. Detectives continue to carry out numerous enquiries as part of the ongoing investigation and we remain committed to establishing the full circumstances surrounding the incident." He noted the investigation is "moving at a significant pace" and appealed for anyone with information to come forward. The case is not being treated as terrorism or a politically-motivated crime, police said.
Political Reactions
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage called the death a "terrible reflection on modern Britain" and said it shows that "things have become even more dangerous today" for those in public life. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer urged unity across political divides, speaking to potential successor Andy Burnham, Tory leader Kemi Badenoch, and Mr. Farage. Mrs. Badenoch said she "really struggled to find the words" and described the attack as "nasty, horrific."
Miss Widdecombe's Legacy
Miss Widdecombe remained active in media, appearing on TalkTV on Wednesday, the day before she was found dead. She was due to appear on Channel 5's Matt Allwright show but did not respond to calls to join a Zoom session. The show's team later contacted her agent. Police have set up a Major Incident Public Portal for information and urged the public to avoid speculation on social media.
Devon and Cornwall Police continue to investigate, and anyone with information can contact them via the portal or anonymously through Crimestoppers.
