Devon and Cornwall Police have confirmed that they are not looking for any other suspects in connection with the murder of former Conservative minister and Reform UK spokeswoman Ann Widdecombe. A 28-year-old white British man was arrested on Saturday evening and is understood to remain in police custody.
Discovery and Arrest
Widdecombe, 78, was found dead at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor at approximately 11:40am on Thursday after sustaining serious injuries. The arrest of the suspect occurred at an address in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, shortly after 9pm on Saturday. Police believe Widdecombe was attacked on Wednesday at around 12:30pm.
Police Investigation Update
On Sunday, Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman of Devon and Cornwall Police stated that the force is not seeking any other individuals in relation to the murder. He 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. At this stage, there is nothing to suggest that it was politically motivated.”
Longman added that detectives “remain open-minded about the potential motive” and stressed that there is no believed threat to the wider public. He also urged the public to refrain from sharing or engaging with online speculation, calling it “unhelpful” and “distressing to the family and friends of Miss Widdecombe.”
Suspect and Location
The suspect, a 28-year-old white British man, was arrested at an address in Rotherham, South Yorkshire. A substantial police presence was observed on Sunday at a house on Byrley Road in the Kimberworth Park area of Rotherham, an address linked to the suspect and located more than 200 miles from Widdecombe’s home in Devon.
Background on Ann Widdecombe
Ann Widdecombe was first elected as a Conservative MP in Kent in 1987. She later served as an MEP for the Brexit Party and as a spokeswoman for Reform UK. Beyond politics, she gained fame appearing on television shows such as Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother.
