Police investigating the alleged murder of former MP and MEP Ann Widdecombe have stated they “are not looking for anyone else” following the arrest of a 28-year-old man. The former Conservative minister, who later served as a Reform UK spokeswoman, was found dead at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor at approximately 11:40am on Thursday after sustaining serious injuries.
Arrest Made in South Yorkshire
Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman, of Devon and Cornwall Police, confirmed that a 28-year-old white British man was arrested on suspicion of murder in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, shortly after 9pm on Saturday, with support from Counter Terrorism Police. Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Longman said: “At this point, there is still no information to suggest that this is a terrorism-related incident and at this point we are not looking for anyone else in connection with this murder.” He added, “At this stage, there is nothing to suggest that it was politically motivated.”
Investigation Details and Public Appeal
Longman emphasised that detectives “remain open-minded about the potential motive” and stressed that there is no believed threat to the wider public. He urged the public not to engage with online speculation, stating: “We are aware of online and public speculation, particularly with regards to motive. Again, I urge people not to share or engage with that speculation – it’s unhelpful, it doesn’t aid our investigation, and particularly, it’s distressing to the family and friends of Miss Widdecombe.” Devon and Cornwall Police previously indicated that Miss Widdecombe is believed to have been attacked on Wednesday at about 12:30pm.
Tributes and Security Measures
Miss Widdecombe, 78, was first elected as a Conservative MP for Kent in 1987, later serving as an MEP for the Brexit Party and a spokeswoman for Reform UK. She also gained fame outside politics through appearances on Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother. Chief Constable James Vaughan of Devon and Cornwall Police described the force’s response as “an extraordinary response to a horrific murder of a very prominent public figure,” noting that the operation had been running at a lightning pace for 48 hours. He added, “I am really pleased that we have a suspect firmly in custody and that will undergo some further work from us today. Well done to all – this is clearly British policing at its very best.”
Miss Widdecombe’s personal driver of 10 years, Peter Horrell, laid flowers at her home on Saturday, telling reporters 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, stating that the party had reviewed emails for patterns of abuse directed at Miss Widdecombe but found nothing. Following her death, Reform’s MPs are reportedly being provided with 24-hour security protection. ITV News has published WhatsApp images suggesting that Miss Widdecombe stopped responding to messages from a TV producer around the time police believe the attack occurred on Wednesday.
