Devon and Cornwall Police have confirmed that the killing of former MP and MEP Ann Widdecombe was not politically motivated, and they are not looking for anyone else in connection with her death following a second arrest. The 78-year-old was found dead in her home in Haytor, Dartmoor, on July 9, having sustained serious injuries consistent with being repeatedly struck with a blunt object.
Second arrest made in South Yorkshire
At a press conference held at Devon and Cornwall Police headquarters in Exeter on Sunday, Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman announced that a 28-year-old white British man was arrested at an address in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, on July 11 on suspicion of murder. The suspect, who has not been named, is currently in police custody. The arrest was supported by officers from Counter Terrorism Police North East and South Yorkshire Police.
Previously, a 26-year-old man was arrested but has since been released without charge and is no longer considered a suspect.
No political or terrorist motive
Longman stated: "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. We retain primacy of this investigation and detectives remain open-minded about the potential motive. At this stage, there is nothing to suggest that it was politically motivated."
He added that the cordon at the scene remains in place and a heightened police presence will continue in the local area to provide reassurance, but there is no wider threat to the public.
Timeline of events
Ann Widdecombe was scheduled to appear on Channel 5's Matt Allwright show on Wednesday, July 8, but failed to attend. Her final public appearance was on TalkTV on the same day. She had been communicating with a programme researcher and sent her last message at 12:19pm confirming receipt of a Zoom link, stating: "Received! Panic Over!" Phone calls and texts after the broadcast went unanswered. Police believe she was attacked at around 12:30pm on Wednesday, almost 24 hours before her body was discovered.
Tributes and security concerns
Her personal driver of 10 years, Peter Horrell, laid flowers outside her home on Saturday and said she "never mentioned any fear" for her safety. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage also visited to pay respects and confirmed the party has reviewed emails for abuse but found nothing. Reports indicate Reform MPs are now receiving round-the-clock security protection following her death.
Widdecombe served as a Conservative MP from 1987 to 2010, held ministerial roles under John Major, and later joined the Brexit Party and Reform UK. She also appeared on Strictly Come Dancing in 2010.
