Devon and Cornwall Police have released a 26-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of the murder of former MP Ann Widdecombe. The man is no longer part of the investigation, police said early on Saturday.
Police Statement on Investigation
Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman stated: "Our priority remains identifying those responsible and ensuring that all available evidence is thoroughly examined. Detectives continue to carry out numerous enquiries as part of the ongoing investigation and we remain committed to establishing the full circumstances surrounding the incident."
Widdecombe's body was found with serious injuries by the ambulance service at her home in Haytor, Devon, at 11:40 a.m. on Thursday. Longman said the investigation was "moving at a significant pace" and that all necessary resources are being deployed.
Appeal for Information
Longman appealed for anyone with information to come forward, asking the public not to speculate on social media. He said: "This is not only potentially harmful to our investigation but also deeply distressing for family and friends of Miss Widdecombe. The family have also asked for their privacy to be respected."
On Friday, police said they were seeking a white male in connection with the death. Later, a 26-year-old white British national was arrested at an address in Newton Abbot, less than 10 miles from Widdecombe's home. At a press conference, Longman said the killing was not believed to be politically motivated and that a terrorist motive had been ruled out.
Political Reactions
Political leaders expressed shock at the killing. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: "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."
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said she was "stunned" and added: "I don't understand how someone could do something so horrific to an elderly person. It was a nasty, horrific attack and my heart is breaking for her family."
Widdecombe's Life and Career
Widdecombe, who lived in Haytor Vale in Dartmoor national park, served as a Conservative MP and minister before joining the Brexit Party in 2019. She served as an MEP for south-west England until 2020 and later became a spokesperson for Reform UK. She appeared on BBC's Strictly Come Dancing in 2010 and remained active in media.
Widdecombe was due to appear on Channel 5's Matt Allwright show on Wednesday but did not appear. She had exchanged messages with a researcher but did not respond when contacted for a Zoom call. Calls and texts remained unanswered, and the show's team followed up with her agent.
