Man, 26, arrested over Widdecombe ‘murder’

Monday, 13 July 2026

Britain

A man was being questioned by detectives on Saturday on suspicion of murdering Ann Widdecombe after the political stalwart was found dead in her home.

Devon and Cornwall police are understood to be investigating whether the suspect, 26, who they described as British and white, was interrupted during a burglary at the house on the edge of Dartmoor National Park where she lived alone. Widdecombe, 78, was discovered by her carer on Thursday morning, local time, and is believed to have suffered severe head injuries.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described her death as shocking, urged anyone with information to come forward, and said it was a moment to “rise above any political differences”. Tributes were paid from across the political spectrum and by the Archbishop of Canterbury.

Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, her party, said that he was “deeply, deeply upset” by the nature of Widdecombe's death adding: “Our nation is a much, much poorer place without her”.

He said: “Rest in peace, Ann. A remarkable, principled woman, and a truly dreadful way to die, and a terrible reflection on modern Britain. And I do fear that for anybody in public life, or especially the political space, things have become even more dangerous.”

Matt Longman, Devon and Cornwall assistant chief constable, said there was “no information” to suggest the murder was “politically motivated”. An arrest had been made and detectives were keeping an “open mind” as to motive.

The Times understands that detectives are investigating whether Widdecombe heard a burglary and went to confront an intruder after midnight.

The investigation was at an early stage on Saturday and other possibilities were also being explored. Terrorism has been ruled out. Longman said: “We can confirm that a 26-year-old man was arrested at an address in Newton Abbott this afternoon on suspicion of the murder of Ann Widdecombe.

“The suspect, who is a white British national, remains in police custody whilst inquiries will continue. Officers were called to Miss Widdecombe’s home at Haytor by the ambulance service around 11.40am on Thursday, the 9th of July. Sadly, 78-year-old Miss Widdecombe was located deceased within the property. She sustained serious injuries.”

Widdecombe never married or had children. Her nephew Roger Widdecombe, an Anglican canon in Cheltenham, offered thanks for condolences but declined to comment further.

Widdecombe was a Conservative MP between 1987 and 2010 for Maidstone in Kent, later Maidstone & the Weald, and held ministerial positions in Sir John Major's government. She moved to the Brexit Party and then Reform, where she was immigration and justice spokesperson. She became a celebrity on Strictly Come Dancing in 2010.

When her death was announced by her agent there was no suggestion of foul play.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Rev Dame Sarah Mullally, said: “I am deeply shocked and saddened by Ann Widdecombe's death in such terrible circumstances … Ann had a deep Christian faith, which drove her strong principles in a career spent as a committed public servant.”

Kemi Badenoch, the Tory leader, said Widdecombe had been the victim of a “nasty, horrific attack” and described her as “a very fun and feisty woman who spoke her mind”. She extended condolences to Farage and everyone in Reform UK on behalf of the Tories, saying: “We've both lost a friend.”