Police are treating the death of former Conservative MP Ann Widdecombe as murder after her body was discovered with serious injuries at her home in Dartmoor, Devon. The 78-year-old was found on Thursday, July 9, after ambulance services alerted officers at around 11:40 a.m.
Body found with serious head wound
Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed that Widdecombe was located deceased within her property in Haytor. She had sustained serious injuries, and a murder investigation has been launched by the Force Major Crime Investigation Team. A cordon remains in place, and road closures are in effect as forensic examinations continue.
According to The Sun, Widdecombe's body was found by a carer who worked for her. The carer has been spoken to by officers at the scene. Police are trying to determine whether she died from an accidental fall or was attacked.
Police appeal for white male suspect
Detective Chief Inspector Ilona Rosson stated: '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 enquiry 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.'
Police are particularly keen to hear from anyone who saw anything suspicious in the vicinity of Haytor Vale, Haytor, or anyone with CCTV, doorbell, or dashcam footage. An increased uniformed police presence is in the area to support the investigation and reassure residents.
Tributes from political figures and colleagues
Widdecombe served as Conservative MP for Maidstone from 1987 to 2010. She later joined Nigel Farage's Brexit Party in 2019, serving as an MEP for South West England until 2020, and backed Reform UK in 2023, serving as justice and immigration adviser.
A Downing Street spokesperson said: 'The Prime Minister was saddened to hear of the death of Ann Widdecombe. She was a distinctive figure in British politics for many years, and he pays tribute to the conviction and dedication with which she served her country.'
Kemi Badenoch paid tribute to the 'formidable politician,' and Nigel Farage remembered her as an 'incredibly loyal ally.' Speaking to TalkTV, Farage said: 'She was an absolute force of nature. She never let anyone... with any doubt in their minds at all where she stood on all the great issues of the day, and she was formidable too.' He added that her move to the Brexit Party was a 'very significant' moment in 'our political history' and 'made us look real.'
Media career and public tributes
Beyond politics, Widdecombe gained fame on Strictly Come Dancing in 2010, finishing ninth with Anton Du Beke, who called her a 'real friend.' She placed second on Celebrity Big Brother in 2018 and hosted her own quiz show, Cleverdicks, on Sky Atlantic. Piers Morgan described her as 'a wonderfully no-nonsense, straight-talking, highly opinionated British battle-axe.'
Her management at Cloud9 Management said she 'loved the cut and thrust of political debate' and was a 'consummate professional.' They have no comment on the investigation.
Police urge the public not to speculate on social media, as it could harm the investigation and cause distress to family and friends. Further information will be released when possible.
