Devon and Cornwall Police have launched a murder investigation following the suspicious death of former MP Ann Widdecombe at her home on Dartmoor. The 78-year-old's body was discovered with serious injuries by the ambulance service at an address in Haytor, Devon, at 11:40 AM on Thursday.
Police Search for White Male Suspect
Police stated they are searching for a white male in connection with her death. Widdecombe's next-of-kin have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers. Detectives from the Force Major Crime Investigation Team are conducting extensive inquiries, with roads closed and a cordon in place for forensic examinations.
DCI Ilona Rosson said: "This is an extremely tragic incident and our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of Ann Widdecombe at this difficult time. Our murder inquiry is in its early stages but moving at a significant pace. We are deploying all of the necessary resources to find out exactly what has happened and to locate the person responsible, who we believe to be a white male."
Appeal for Information
Rosson appealed for anyone with information, particularly those with CCTV, doorbell, or dashcam footage from the Haytor Vale area, to come forward. She urged the public not to speculate on social media, as it could harm the investigation and cause distress.
Widdecombe, who appeared on Talk radio on Wednesday, lived in Haytor Vale within Dartmoor National Park. She served as a Conservative MP from 1987 to 2010 for Maidstone and later Maidstone and the Weald. She later joined the Brexit Party, serving as an MEP for South West England from 2019 to 2020, and was a member of its successor, Reform UK.
Tributes and Reaction
Her management, Cloud9 Management, paid tribute earlier on Friday without referencing the cause of death. They highlighted her Christian values and public service, stating: "She loved the cut and thrust of political debate and, 16 years after leaving parliament, was still actively campaigning for Reform UK." They later expressed devastation upon learning of the murder investigation.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood urged the public to avoid speculation, describing the circumstances as "extremely distressing." In a post on X, she said: "I am deeply saddened to hear of the death of Ann Widdecombe. The circumstances of her death are extremely distressing and my thoughts are with Ann's family and loved ones."
