Devon and Cornwall Police have arrested a 26-year-old man in connection with the death of former MP Ann Widdecombe, following a major manhunt. The suspect, a white British national, was taken into custody in Newton Abbot on Friday afternoon (July 10) on suspicion of murder.
Discovery and Investigation
Miss Widdecombe, 78, was found dead at her home in Haytor, Dartmoor, near Newton Abbot in Devon at 11:40am on Thursday (July 9). She had sustained serious injuries, prompting a murder investigation. Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman confirmed at a press conference that the death is not being treated as terror-related.
“A 26-year-old man was arrested in Newton Abbot this afternoon on suspicion of the murder of Ann Widdecombe. The suspect, who is a white British national, remains in police custody while inquiries continue,” Longman said. He added that detectives from the force’s major crime investigation team are conducting extensive inquiries, including house-to-house and CCTV searches.
Political and Public Reaction
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer expressed shock, stating: “This is really shocking news, and my thoughts, I think all of our thoughts, will be with the family and friends of Ann Widdecombe at this awful time for them. Ann was a distinguished politician over many, many years with many achievements, and it's a huge, huge loss.”
Prospective Labour Leader Andy Burnham also offered condolences through a spokesperson, saying: “Andy's deepest condolences and thoughts are with Ann's family today, in incredibly distressing circumstances. Ann gave a lifetime of public service, and it's absolutely right that the police put all their resources into investigating this as swiftly as possible.”
Background and Tributes
Ann Widdecombe served as a Conservative MP and later as a Brexit Party MEP, and was known for her role as a Reform UK spokeswoman. She gained celebrity status after appearing on Strictly Come Dancing. Tributes poured in from across the political spectrum before the murder investigation was confirmed.
Miss Widdecombe’s management company, Cloud 9, appealed for information, stating: “We are absolutely devastated by this news following a very traumatic and upsetting 24 hours. We fully support the police in their investigations and we reiterate the family's desire not to be contacted at this difficult time.”
Police Appeal
Police have established a Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) for the public to submit information, images, or footage. The force can be reached on 101 or via their website, quoting reference 50260179119 and Operation Hunlen. Anonymous tips can be made to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
