Nigel Farage has stated that he believes the murder of Ann Widdecombe was premeditated, contradicting police theories that a burglary may have gone wrong. The Reform UK leader spoke at a memorial near Widdecombe's home in Dartmoor National Park, where he placed flowers in her memory.
Farage casts doubt on burglary theory
Speaking at the Moorland Hotel in Newton Abbot, Farage questioned the burglary hypothesis, noting that a car drove onto Widdecombe's driveway at approximately 12:25-12:30 on Wednesday, July 8. 'If you were a burglar, would you literally drive your car onto someone's drive?' he asked, suggesting the perpetrator had a motive from the start.
Widdecombe, 78, was scheduled to appear on Channel 5 that afternoon. A researcher from Matt Allwright's show sent her a Zoom link for a 1pm call but received no reply, raising concerns among the programme's team. Her body was discovered in her kitchen by her carer on Thursday, July 9, with serious head injuries. Police believe the attack occurred around 12:30pm on Wednesday, approximately 24 hours before her body was found.
Farage calls for justice
'From what I can see of it, from what I make out, this was premeditated murder,' Farage told The Sun. 'Whether it was politically motivated, whether it was someone with a grudge. I don't think it pays at this time to speculate.' He emphasised the importance of catching the killer swiftly, referencing the unsolved murder of journalist Jill Dando in 1999. 'I believe with modern technology, they will,' he added.
Farage described the act as 'barbarity' against 'a lady who wouldn't harm a fly'. He confirmed he had spoken twice with the chief constable of Devon and Cornwall Police, and that the Reform Party is analysing potential threats and abusive emails sent to or about Widdecombe. 'We will do anything we can to support the police,' he declared.
Police investigation ongoing
A 26-year-old white British man was arrested on Friday evening but released on Saturday morning, with police confirming he is no longer connected to the investigation. Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman stated: 'Our priority remains identifying those responsible and ensuring that all available evidence is thoroughly examined.' He added that the investigation is 'moving at a significant pace' and urged anyone with information or CCTV footage to come forward.
Police do not believe the incident is terror-related. Widdecombe's next-of-kin are being supported by specially trained officers. An official cause of death has not yet been released.
Community in shock
Widdecombe's neighbours expressed shock, describing the area as quiet and crime-free. Peter Cornthwaite, her immediate next-door neighbour, noted that Widdecombe did not have security or a secure garden at her home, called Widdecombe's Rest. He told The Sun he saw a van arrive in the early hours of the day she died, with a white man dressed in hiking clothes.
Susan Coyish, another neighbour, last saw Widdecombe at a petrol station 10 days ago. She described her as 'approachable' but someone who 'kept to herself'. Other neighbours said Widdecombe had withdrawn from the local community in recent years.
Political figures urge restraint
Prime Minister Keir Starmer and opposition leader Kemi Badenoch have discouraged public speculation, stressing the importance of 'rising above political differences'. Starmer said: 'It's really important we remain vigilant. I'm not going to speculate about this particular case.'
Widdecombe's management, Cloud9 Management, expressed devastation and fully supported the police investigation. They reiterated the family's desire for privacy and implored anyone with relevant information to contact Devon and Cornwall Police.
