Ann Widdecombe, the 78-year-old former Conservative MP and government minister, was found dead with serious injuries at her home in Haytor, Devon on July 9, 2026, at 11:40 a.m. [1, 2] Police believe she was attacked around midday on July 8, about 24 hours before her body was discovered. [3, 4]
The Home Office confirmed that police have launched a murder investigation into her death, describing it as "an extremely tragic incident." Detective Chief Inspector Ilona Rosson said officers are treating the case as murder and are focusing on locating a white male suspect. [1] Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman added police are carefully examining all evidence and carrying out numerous inquiries. [2]
Initially, a 26-year-old white British man was arrested in Newton Abbot on suspicion of murder but was released without charge early on July 11 and is no longer part of the investigation. [2, 5, 6] Later that same day, a 28-year-old white British man was arrested in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, and remains in custody as the primary suspect. [4, 7, 8]
Police have stated there is currently no evidence to suggest the killing was politically motivated or linked to terrorism, though counter-terrorism police have taken over the lead in the investigation to explore all angles. [5, 7, 8, 9] Devon and Cornwall Police’s Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman said, "At this stage, there is nothing to suggest that it was politically motivated." [8] Interior Minister Shabana Mahmood confirmed counter-terrorism forces now lead the case as they pursue multiple lines of inquiry into the attack’s motives. [9]
Ann Widdecombe was a Conservative MP from 1987 to 2010, serving in John Major's government and later joining the Brexit Party and Reform UK as an immigration spokesperson. [10, 11, 6] She gained wider public recognition for her socially conservative views and media appearances, including on "Strictly Come Dancing" and TalkTV. [10, 12]
Political leaders across parties expressed shock and condolences. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage praised her public service and called the incident "shocking," saying, "Our nation is a much, much poorer place without her. Reform UK is certainly a much worse place without her." [2, 5, 6]
Police have appealed for public help, asking anyone with CCTV, dashcam, or doorbell footage near Widdecombe’s home in Haytor Vale, Dartmoor National Park, to come forward. [1, 2]
The investigation remains active with the 28-year-old suspect in custody. Police have not announced any further charges or court dates yet. [8]
