Detectives deliver major update on motive behind Ann Widdecombe’s death

Police probing the death of Express columnist and former MP Ann Widdecombe have said there is “no information” at this time to suggest her death was a “politically motivated crime”. A 26-year-old white British man was arrested at an address in Newton Abbot on Friday on suspicion of murder, Devon and Cornwall have confirmed this afternoon. During a press conference, Devon and Cornwall Police Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman also said that Miss Widdecombe’s death was not being treated as a terrorist incident.

He told reporters at a press conference: “Detectives from the force major crime investigation team have launched a murder investigation, and are conducting extensive inquiries into the circumstances surrounding Miss Widdecombe’s death”. A murder investigation was announced hours after the death of the former Tory and Reform politician was revealed, with tributes quickly pouring in. In a statement announcing the probe, Devon and Cornwall Police said their officers were called to an address at Haytor by the ambulance service at around 11.40am yesterday, on July 9. The statement continued: “Sadly, 78-year-old Miss Widdecombe was located deceased within the property. She had sustained serious injuries.” Her next-of-kin have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers, the force added.

Prior to the police’s press conference, Kemi Badenoch said she had been “stunned” at the tragic news.

The Conservative leader told reporters: “I’ve been stunned to hear this awful news.

“To be honest, I’ve really struggled to find the words to say. Ann Widdecombe was a very fun and feisty woman who spoke her mind and she was 78 years old, she was an elderly woman.”

On Friday afternoon, police announced detectives from the Force Major Crime Investigation Team had launched the murder investigation and were conducting extensive enquiries into the circumstances surrounding Miss Widdecombe’s death.

A cordon was put in place at the property while specialist officers continued forensic examinations. There are road closures in place around the scene.

The force added officers were conducting house-to-house and CCTV enquiries, and members of the public will notice a significant police presence in the area.

In a post on X shared before police addressed reporters, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said: “I am deeply saddened to hear of the death of Ann Widdecombe. The circumstances of her death are extremely distressing and my thoughts are with Ann’s family and loved ones.

“Ann’s dedication to public service was decades long, and she was a true servant of her constituents.

“I have spoken to the Chief Constable of Devon and Cornwall police today. The Home Office stands ready to provide whatever support they need with their ongoing investigation. I urge everyone to avoid speculation and allow the police investigation to progress.”

Speaking to reporters at Chequers before it was revealed an arrest had been made, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said it was important to “rise above any political differences”.

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.”

Ann Widdecombe’s management team, Cloud9 Management, said they were “absolutely devastated” by the news the police had launched a murder investigation into her death.

The statement said: “We are absolutely devastated by this news following a very traumatic and upsetting 24 hours.

“We fully support the police in their investigations and we reiterate the family’s desire not to be contacted at this difficult time. We implore anyone who may have relevant information to contact Devon & Cornwall Police.”