Nigel Farage has stated that he believes the murder of Ann Widdecombe was premeditated, casting doubt on police theories that a burglary went wrong. The Reform UK leader spoke at a memorial service near Widdecombe's home in Dartmoor, where he placed flowers in her memory.
Widdecombe, 78, was found dead in her kitchen on Thursday, July 9, with serious head injuries. Her death was announced by her management on Friday morning. Police later launched a murder investigation, arresting a 26-year-old white British man on Friday evening. He was released on Saturday morning and is no longer a suspect.
Farage Challenges Burglary Theory
Speaking at the Moorland Hotel in Newton Abbot, Farage questioned the burglary hypothesis. He noted that a car entered Widdecombe's driveway around 12:25-12:30 on Wednesday, July 8, the day of the attack. Widdecombe had completed one interview that morning and was scheduled for another at 1pm with Channel 5. The show's researcher sent a Zoom link but received no reply, prompting concern.
“If you were a burglar, would you literally drive your car onto someone's drive?” Farage asked. He added, “From what I can see of it, from what I make out, this was premeditated murder.” He suggested the motive could be political or personal, saying, “Whether it was politically motivated, whether it was someone with a grudge. I don't think it pays at this time to speculate.”
Police Investigation and Community Reaction
Devon and Cornwall Police believe the attack occurred around 12:30pm on Wednesday, July 8, approximately 24 hours before Widdecombe's body was found. Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman stated, “Our priority remains identifying those responsible.” The force has consulted counter-terrorism policing but does not treat the incident as terror-related.
Widdecombe's neighbour, Susan Coysh, described her as “a character and a lovely lady” who kept to herself. Another neighbour, Peter Cornthwaite, said the area is “very quiet” with little crime. He reported seeing a van arrive in the early hours of Wednesday, driven by a white man in hiking clothes.
Farage Warns of Danger to Public Figures
Farage remarked that Widdecombe's death indicates the world is “much more dangerous than it's ever been” for public figures, especially politicians. He expressed hope that modern technology will help catch the killer, referencing the unsolved murder of Jill Dando in 1999. “I just hope that the killer is caught as quickly as possible and brought to justice,” he said.
Farage has spoken twice with the chief constable of Devon and Cornwall Police. The Reform Party is analyzing threats and abusive emails sent to or about Widdecombe. “We will do anything we can to support the police,” he declared.
Official Statements and Appeal for Information
Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged the public not to speculate, stressing the importance of “rising above political differences.” Opposition leader Kemi Badenoch echoed this sentiment. Police continue to appeal for CCTV or information from anyone who was in the Haytor area on Wednesday.
Widdecombe's management, Cloud9 Management, said they are “absolutely devastated” and implored anyone with relevant information to contact police. An official cause of death has not yet been released, and Widdecombe's next-of-kin are being supported by specially trained officers.
