A 26-year-old man has been taken into custody on suspicion of murder following the death of former government minister and Reform UK spokesperson Ann Widdecombe. Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed that the suspect, a white British national, was arrested on Friday at a property located in Newton Abbot, Devon.
The 78-year-old former Conservative MP was discovered by police at her residence in the rural village of Haytor, situated on Dartmoor, at approximately 11:40 BST on Thursday. Authorities reported that she was found with serious injuries.
Addressing a news conference on Friday, Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman stated that the investigation remains in its early stages. He confirmed that counter-terror policing had been involved in the initial phase of the inquiry; however, the incident is not being treated as terrorism. Longman further noted that there is currently no evidence to suggest the act was politically motivated, adding that it is too early to determine whether the suspect had any prior connection to Widdecombe.
The force has confirmed that Widdecombe’s next of kin have been notified and are currently receiving support from specially trained officers. Meanwhile, the news has drawn reactions from across the political spectrum, with leaders expressing their shock. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described the development as “really shocking,” while Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch expressed that she was “stunned to hear this awful news.” Reform UK leader Nigel Farage also shared his reaction, stating he was “deeply, deeply upset by the nature of her death.” Police have urged any members of the public with information regarding the incident to come forward.
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