Ann Widdecombe, the former Conservative minister who later defected to Reform UK, was found dead at her beloved Devon home last week, with counter-terrorism police now leading a murder investigation. The 78-year-old had faced a tough decision about where to retire, ultimately choosing Dartmoor over the north-west Highlands for three specific reasons.
Three Reasons for Choosing Devon
According to a 2011 interview, Widdecombe said the West Country won because it is less remote than the Scottish Highlands, she had family connections there, and the climate is warmer for swimming, which she loved. “My father was born in Saltash. My mother was born in Plymouth. I’ve still got an elderly aunt and a cousin in Saltash, and a cousin in Torquay,” she said.
Widdecombe called her home, located just yards from Widecombe In The Moor, “Widdecombe’s Rest.” She explained in the interview: “A lot of people think it means rest, as in having a rest. But what it actually means is the rest of Widdecombe’s life!”
Murder Investigation and Counter-Terrorism Involvement
Devon and Cornwall Police found Widdecombe with “serious injuries” at her Heytor residence at 11:40am on Thursday, July 9. Counter-terrorism police are now leading the investigation after “new evidence and information has come to light,” according to a statement from Counter-Terrorism South East. A 28-year-old man, initially arrested in Rotherham on Saturday, July 11, has been re-arrested on suspicion of commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.
Widdecombe's Love for Dartmoor
Widdecombe was reportedly “incredibly happy” at her home and intended to spend the rest of her days there, reports Devon Live. Walking was one of her joys, and she regularly walked for hours on Dartmoor, up to Hound Tor and beyond. “When you’re walking out on the moor on your own, miles from anywhere, and you don’t see another human being for days, or you only see them in the far distance, then yes, you certainly can feel closer to God,” she said in the 2011 interview.
