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Ann Widdecombe murder probe
Police launched a murder investigation after Ann Widdecombe, 78, was found dead at her home in Haytor, Dartmoor on Thursday (09 Jul 26) with “serious injuries,” and Devon and Cornwall Police said they wanted to talk to a “white male” in relation to the case.
“someone has been arrested on suspicion of the murder of the 78-year-old”
On Friday evening, it was confirmed that someone has been arrested on suspicion of the murder of the 78-year-old, with the suspect described as 26 and a British national whose name had yet to be released.
Devon and Cornwall Police’s DCI Ilona Rosson said the investigation was “in its early stages but moving at a significant pace,” while Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman said it was “too early” to know whether the suspect was someone known to Widdecombe.
The BBC reported that police have arrested a 26-year-old white British man on suspicion of murder and that the case is not being treated as a terrorist incident, with “no information” of political motivation involved in the death of the former Conservative minister and Reform UK spokeswoman.
Politicians urge unity
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer told the public to “rise above any political differences” after police launched a murder investigation into Ann Widdecombe’s death, and the BBC reported he had spoken to Speaker of the House of Commons Lindsay Hoyle, Kemi Badenoch, Reform UK’s Nigel Farage, and MP Andy Burnham to “urge everybody to come together.”
Kemi Badenoch, leader of the Conservative Party for which Widdecombe served as shadow home secretary from 1999 to 2001, said the party was “reeling” and described Widdecombe as “a very fun and feisty woman who spoke her mind.”
The Blackpool Gazette reported that police were investigating whether her murder might be politically motivated and said Starmer had spoken to Nigel Farage, Andy Burnham and Kemi Badenoch after the murder investigation began.
In a separate statement, Devon and Cornwall Police said the suspected killing was not believed to be an act of terrorism nor politically motivated, and Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman said he had “no information” to believe that it was politically motivated.
Anton Du Beke reacts
Anton Du Beke, Widdecombe’s partner on Strictly Come Dancing in 2010, posted a video on X calling her death the “saddest of news,” saying, “I had the most brilliant time with Ann on Strictly Come Dancing” and that she “became a real friend.”
“called her death the "saddest of news"”
The BBC reported that Du Beke said Widdecombe was “devastated” by her death and that police have arrested a 26-year-old white British man on suspicion of murder, while also noting that Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman said there is currently “no information” of political motivation.
The Blackpool Gazette said tributes had been paid to Widdecombe after her body was discovered covered in blood during the early hours at her Devon home and that police announced her death is being treated as murder.
The Tablet quoted Widdecombe’s agents, Cloud 9 Management, saying, “We ask that the family’s wish not to be contacted at this sad time is respected,” as the investigation continues into the circumstances of her death.
