A sombre mood has settled over the small village of Haytor on Dartmoor, Devon, following the tragic discovery of former Conservative minister Ann Widdecombe's body. The 78-year-old MP, who had also served as a spokesperson for Reform UK, was found with serious injuries at her residence on Thursday morning, prompting an immediate response from emergency services. It has been confirmed that Ms Widdecombe passed away after being discovered around 11:40 BST, with further details about the circumstances of her death slowly emerging over the following days.
As investigators work to piece together what happened, Devon and Cornwall Police have made a significant arrest in connection with the case. A 26-year-old British man was apprehended in Newton Abbot, approximately 10 miles from Ms Widdecombe's home, on suspicion of murder. However, police announced on Saturday morning that this individual had been released from custody and is no longer considered a suspect. Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman reinforced the priority remains identifying those responsible for the crime, with detectives meticulously examining all available evidence.
Police have sought to dispel speculation surrounding the motive behind Ms Widdecombe's death, stating there is currently no indication that it was politically motivated or linked to terrorism. The investigation has been marked by a significant police presence at her property since its commencement. Across the country, tributes are pouring in for the deceased MP, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer describing the news as 'shocking', and Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood urging the public to refrain from speculation.
Ms Widdecombe's illustrious career spanned over two decades as an MP for Maidstone in Kent. She held various ministerial positions during John Major's government, including at the Home Office and Department for Employment between 1994 and 1997. After leaving Parliament, she further increased her public profile through appearances on television shows like Strictly Come Dancing in 2010 and Celebrity Big Brother in 2018. Her former dance partner, Anton Du Beke, described her death as 'the saddest of news'.
The investigation is ongoing, with police appealing to anyone who may have information related to Ms Widdecombe's death to come forward. The sudden nature of her passing has deeply affected those familiar with her extensive public life and political career, both within and outside Westminster.
Source: Devon and Cornwall Police