New footage has emerged showing Ann Widdecombe defending Nigel Farage just 20 minutes before police believe she was attacked at her Dartmoor home. The interview, conducted with Times Radio, shows the former MP and Express columnist discussing Commons rules on financial disclosures, which she described as "a joke."
Interview Released with Family Permission
Times Radio published the clip on Tuesday, stating: "Ann Widdecombe defended Nigel Farage's financial conduct in an interview recorded only 20 minutes before police believe she was attacked. It shows her passionately-held beliefs and long political experience. This excerpt is being published with the permission of Ann's family."
In the interview, Widdecombe revealed she had once been asked to declare a fee for appearing "with Basil Brush," which she called "a nonsense." She insisted the register of interests had "departed from its original purpose" and was being used to catch out MPs rather than track who influences them.
Murder Investigation and Terrorism Links
Widdecombe, 78, was found dead in her Dartmoor home last week. Tributes poured in from colleagues, with Nigel Farage calling her a "colossus" of British politics. However, the investigation took a dramatic turn when police opened a murder inquiry. A 26-year-old man was arrested and released, followed by the detention of a 28-year-old man. Counter-terror police are now treating the case as terrorism, despite Devon and Cornwall Police initially distancing themselves from that term.
Widdecombe was known for her blunt honesty and long political career, serving as an MP and later as an MEP for the Brexit Party. Her death has shocked the nation, with many expressing disbelief that the beloved figure was allegedly murdered.
