Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has broken his silence on the murder investigation launched into the death of former Tory MP and Reform UK spokeswoman Ann Widdecombe, describing the suspect as "clearly dangerous" and urging the public to assist police in apprehending the individual.
Starmer's response to Widdecombe's death
Speaking to reporters at Chequers, Starmer said the news was "really shocking" and extended his condolences to Widdecombe's family and friends. He emphasised the need to "rise above any political differences" and focus on catching the killer. "Ann was a distinguished politician over many, many years with many achievements, and it's a huge, huge loss," he stated.
Starmer confirmed he had spoken with the chief constable about the details of the case. "I think this is really important that this is a moment where we rise above any political differences, the political divide and say the single most important thing at the moment is that all of us and the public help the police identify the individual suspected and make sure he's arrested as quickly as possible," he added.
Details of the murder investigation
Devon and Cornwall Police launched a murder inquiry after Widdecombe, 78, was found dead at her home in Haytor, near Newton Abbott in Devon, on Thursday, July 9. Police were called at 11:40am following reports of serious injuries. A manhunt is ongoing for a white male believed to be responsible.
Detective Chief Inspector Ilona Rosson said: "This is an extremely tragic incident and our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of Ann Widdecombe at this difficult time. Our murder inquiry is in its early stages but moving at a significant pace. We are deploying all of the necessary resources to find out exactly what has happened and to locate the person responsible who we believe to be a white male."
Security concerns and public appeal
Starmer stressed that the security of politicians "is of the utmost importance" but declined to speculate on any potential motive. He urged anyone with information to come forward: "He's clearly dangerous, and I implore everybody who's got any information in relation to him to help the police with their inquiries, get him into police custody."
Widdecombe, a former Conservative MP and Minister of State for Prisons, later served as a Brexit Party MEP and became a Reform UK spokeswoman. She had appeared on Talk radio on Wednesday, the day before her body was discovered.
