Devon and Cornwall Police have confirmed that the murder of Ann Widdecombe was not politically motivated and that they are not looking for anyone else in connection with her death. The 78-year-old former MP and MEP was found dead in her home in Haytor, Dartmoor, on July 9, having suffered serious injuries consistent with being repeatedly struck with a blunt object.
Arrest and Investigation Update
At a press conference in Exeter on Sunday, Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman announced that a 28-year-old white British man was arrested in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, on suspicion of murder. The arrest was carried out with support from Counter Terrorism Police North East and South Yorkshire Police. A 26-year-old man initially arrested in connection with the case has been released without charge and is no longer a suspect.
Longman stated: "At this point there is still no information to suggest that this is a terrorism related incident. And at this point, we are not looking for anyone else in connection with this murder." He added that detectives remain open-minded about the motive, but there is nothing to suggest it was politically motivated.
Timeline of Events
Miss Widdecombe was scheduled to appear on Channel 5's Matt Allwright show on Wednesday but failed to attend. She last appeared on TalkTV on Wednesday, the day she is believed to have been attacked. Police believe the attack occurred at around 12:30pm on Wednesday, nearly 24 hours before her body was discovered. She had sent a message at 12:19pm acknowledging receipt of a Zoom link for the show, writing: "Received! Panic Over!" Phone calls and texts went unanswered after the broadcast.
Public and Political Reaction
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage visited Haytor on Saturday to pay tribute, laying a wreath near her home. He said the party has reviewed its emails for patterns of abuse directed at Miss Widdecombe but found nothing. Following her death, Reform UK MPs are reportedly receiving 24-hour security protection. Miss Widdecombe's personal driver of 10 years, Peter Horrell, laid flowers and said she "never mentioned any fear" for her safety and loved living in Haytor.
Background
Ann Widdecombe served as a Conservative MP from 1987 to 2010 for Maidstone and later Maidstone and the Weald, holding ministerial roles under Sir John Major. After leaving Parliament, she appeared on BBC's Strictly Come Dancing in 2010, reaching the semi-finals. She joined Nigel Farage's Brexit Party in 2019 and served as an MEP for South West England from 2019 to 2020. Most recently, she was immigration and justice spokesperson for Reform UK.
The investigation continues, with a cordon still in place at her home. Police urge the public not to engage with speculation, which is distressing to her family and friends.
