Former UK minister Ann Widdecombe, 78, murdered at her Dartmoor home; 26-year-old suspect arrested

Discovery at the home

On Thursday midday, Devon and Cornwall Police were called to Ann Widdecombe’s residence in Haytor Vale, Dartmoor, by the ambulance service. Officers found the 78-year-old deceased with severe injuries. The force immediately launched a murder investigation.

Our investigation is in its early stages, but it is progressing at pace.

Political career and last public appearance

Widdecombe served as a Conservative MP between 1987 and 2010, holding various junior ministerial posts under Prime Minister John Major. Known for her socially conservative views, she opposed abortion legalisation and equalising the age of consent, and defended the policy of handcuffing pregnant prisoners during labour. After leaving parliament she appeared on Strictly Come Dancing in 2010 and later re-emerged as a prominent Brexiteer. She was elected as a Brexit Party MEP in 2019, and in 2023 joined the successor party Reform UK as its spokesperson for immigration and justice.

The day before her death, on Wednesday 8 July, she appeared on Talk TV’s streaming service to discuss Reform UK and its leader Nigel Farage.

Suspect arrested

Police initially stated they were seeking a white male suspect. On Friday afternoon a 26-year-old British national was arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody. Officers continue to canvass the Haytor Vale area, review security-camera footage, and appeal for witnesses.

We would particularly like to speak to anyone who saw anything suspicious in the Haytor Vale area, or has any security camera, video doorbell, or dashcam footage that could assist our investigation.

A decade of political violence

The killing comes after two sitting MPs were murdered in Britain in the past decade. Labour’s Jo Cox was shot and stabbed by a neo-Nazi during the Brexit campaign in 2016. Conservative David Amess was stabbed to death in 2021 by a man inspired by Islamic State. Widdecombe’s death adds a third high-profile case, though police have not yet confirmed any motive.

Reactions and tributes

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood wrote on X: “I am deeply saddened by the death of Ann Widdecombe. The circumstances of her death are extremely painful, and my thoughts are with her family and loved ones.” She urged the public to avoid speculation and let the police inquiry proceed.

She was a heroic Brexiteer and a great speaker, who could drive a Tory audience into such a frenzy that it was hard to be the next speaker on stage.