A 26-year-old white British man has been arrested on suspicion of murder on Friday following the death of Ann Widdecombe.
The 78-year-old former MP and MEP was found dead at her home in Dartmoor, Devon on Thursday morning after sustaining serious injuries.
Devon and Cornwall Police have said they are remaining “open-minded” about the motive for the attack, and that it was too early to comment on whether the suspect was known to Miss Widdecombe.
Here is everything we know about Ann Widdecombe’s death so far.
Ann Widdecombe was born in Bath, Somerset, in 1947.
She had a long political career serving as Conservative MP for Maidstone, later Maidstone and The Weald, in Kent for 23 years.
Shadow home secretary Ann Widdecombe highlights the asylum crisis on a visit to Calais, France in 2001 (Sean Dempsey/PA)
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She was also Minister of State for Employment from 1994 to 1995 and Minister of State for Prisons from between 1995 and 1997 under John Major.
Following her time in government, she found fame outside politics after appearing on Strictly Come Dancing in 2010 and Celebrity Big Brother in 2018.
Police investigating the murder of Ann Widdecombe have made an arrest (Ben Birchall/PA)
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Miss Widdecombe, a supporter of the UK’s departure from the EU, later became a Brexit Party MEP, representing South West England in the European Parliament between 2019 and 2020.
She subsequently became a Reform UK spokeswoman, joining the party in 2023, and making a number of appearances as the party’s immigration and justice spokesperson.
What happened to her and when?
Devon and Cornwall Police were called to Miss Widdecombe’s home in Haytor Vale, a village within the Dartmoor National Park, at around 11.40am on Thursday, where they found her dead with serious injuries.
Her death was announced on Friday morning.
Police outside the house of Ann Widdecombe in Haytor in Dartmoor
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In a statement, her management team said: “We know this news will come as a great shock to the many colleagues and friends she made along the way.”
On Friday afternoon, police issued a statement saying they had launched a murder investigation in connection to Miss Widdecombe’s death.
Her management team then released a further statement, saying they were “absolutely devastated” by news of the investigation after a “very traumatic and upsetting 24 hours”.
What do we know about the suspect?
Police have confirmed that a 26-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with Miss Widdecombe’s death.
Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman said that the suspect was arrested at an address in Newton Abbot on Friday.
He added that the suspect remains in police custody while inquiries continue, and that a cordon remains in place at her property while specialist officers continue forensic examinations.
ACC Matt Longman, of Devon and Cornwall Police, speaks at a press conference
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He also said the case was “not being treated as terrorism” and there was “no information” at this time to suggest it was a “politically-motivated crime”.
Mr Longman said: “This is an extremely tragic incident. Our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of Miss Widdecombe in this very difficult time.”
Police outside the house of Ann Widdecombe in Haytor in Dartmoor
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Earlier on Friday, Detective Chief Inspector Ilona Rosson said: “This is an extremely tragic incident and our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of Ann Widdecombe at this difficult time.
“I would appeal to anyone who may have information about this incident, however insignificant it may seem, to come forward and speak with us.”
What has been the reaction to her death?
A number of politicians and prominent figures have made statements following the announcement of Miss Widdecombe’s death.
Sir Keir said: He 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.
Sir Keir Starmer
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He added that he had spoken to Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, as well as Andy Burnham, to “urge everybody to come together”.
“Ann Widdecombe was a very fun and feisty woman who spoke her mind and she was 78 years old, she was an elderly woman.
“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.”
Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch
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A spokeswoman for Andy Burnham said: “Andy’s deepest condolences and thoughts are with Ann’s family today, in incredibly distressing circumstances.
“Ann gave a lifetime of public service, and it’s absolutely right that the police put all their resources into investigating this as swiftly as possible.”
Anton Du Beke, who was Miss Widdecombe’s dance partner when she appeared on Strictly Come Dancing, said he was “devastated” to hear the news.
Ann Widdecombe found fame outside politics with her Strictly Come Dancing exploits
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“She became a real friend. She was fun. She was upbeat. She was positive. She was supportive. We had an incredible time together and we stayed firm friends.
“My thoughts go out to all of her nearest and dearest and all her family. This is a sad day and I’m devastated by the news of Ann’s passing but I shall remember her fondly, and miss her.”