The former Conservative MP was tragically found dead at her home in Haytor with serious injuries.
Ann Widdecombe is suspected to have been murdered at her home (Image: Getty)
Reform UK has arranged around the clock protection for senior politicians following the suspected murder of Ann Widdecombe, it is understood. Police said they had no reason to believe Ms Widdecombe’s alleged killer was politically motivated, it is important to note.
The 78-year-old former Conservative MP was found dead at her home in Haytor with serious injuries at around 11.40am on Thursday. A Reform UK source told the Mail on Sunday they also did not know if it was “a robbery entirely unconnected with Ann’s political beliefs” but they were doing “everything we can to keep our people safe” in precautionary response.
Police said there was still no information to suggest the incident was terrorism-related when a 28-year-old man was arrested at an address in the South Yorkshire area on July 11 on suspicion of the murder of Ann Widdecombe. The suspect, who is a white British national, was taken to police custody. Police have urged the public not to speculate about the alleged crime.
Police believe Ms Widdecombe was killed at 12.30pm, half an hour before she was scheduled to appear on Matt Allwright’s Channel 5 programme via Zoom.
ITV News reported that Ms Widdecombe had spoken to a researcher on the Channel 5 show on Wednesday to set up an interview, but her last message was received at 12.19pm, and she stopped responding to messages and calls after that.
Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman said: “Our priority remains identifying those responsible and ensuring that all available evidence is thoroughly examined.
“This is an extremely tragic incident and our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of Miss Widdecombe at this difficult time.”
He continued: “We will release further information when we are able to do so. In the meantime, I would ask people not to speculate about what might have happened, particularly on social media.
“This is not only potentially harmful to our investigation but also deeply distressing for family and friends of Miss Widdecombe. The family have also asked for their privacy to be respected as they come to terms with what has happened.”