What has happened?
Devon and Cornwall Police have initiated a murder investigation following the death of Ann Widdecombe, the 78-year-old former Conservative minister and Reform UK spokeswoman. She was discovered deceased with serious injuries at her residence in Haytor, a village located on Dartmoor in Devon, on Thursday morning. Officers responded after being alerted by the ambulance service at approximately 11:40 BST.
Widdecombe's death was publicly announced on Friday morning by her management team; however, the initial statement did not specify the time, cause, or location of death, nor did it mention any suspicious circumstances.
"We know this news will come as a great shock to the many colleagues and friends she made along the way."
Later on Friday afternoon, police confirmed the launch of a murder inquiry and disclosed information regarding a suspect. Subsequently, Widdecombe's management issued another statement expressing that they were "absolutely devastated" by the police investigation following a "very traumatic and upsetting 24 hours."
A substantial police presence remains at the property, with reports from a BBC correspondent noting multiple police vehicles on the road outside and a police van stationed in the driveway.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has called on the public to refrain from speculation and allow the investigation to proceed without interference.
In a post on X, she said the circumstances of Ann Widdecombe's death are "extremely distressing", adding that her "thoughts are with Ann's family and loved ones".
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the coroner's office covering Devon, Plymouth, and Torbay stated that "preliminary inquiries are ongoing."
Who is the suspect?
Authorities are actively searching for a suspect believed to be a white male in connection with the case, which is progressing rapidly.
Police have appealed for information from the public, requesting anyone who may have observed suspicious activity near Haytor Vale or Haytor, or who possesses CCTV, doorbell, or dashcam footage that could assist the investigation, to come forward.
Additional uniformed officers are being deployed in the area to support inquiries and provide reassurance to local residents.
Det Ch Insp Ilona Rosson said: "This is an extremely tragic incident and our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of Ann Widdecombe at this difficult time.
"I would appeal to anyone who may have information about this incident, however insignificant it may seem, to come forward and speak with us."
How have politicians reacted?
Ann Widdecombe had a political career spanning several decades. She served as the Member of Parliament for Maidstone in Kent for 23 years and held positions as a Home Office and employment minister in John Major's government from 1994 to 1997.
Following the announcement of the police investigation, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described the news as "shocking" and extended his condolences to Widdecombe's family during this difficult period.
He said he had spoken to the Speaker of the House of Commons Lindsay Hoyle, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, Reform UK's Nigel Farage, as well as Andy Burnham, "to urge everybody to come together."
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch expressed that she was "stunned" and found it difficult to articulate her feelings.
"Ann Widdecombe was a very fun and feisty woman who spoke her mind.
"She was 78 years old. She was an elderly woman. I don't understand how someone could do something so horrific to an elderly person.
"It was a nasty, horrific attack. My heart is breaking for her family."
"It is one thing when someone dies but to know they have been murdered in this horrible way is just awful."
Widdecombe was born in Bath, Somerset, in 1947. She pursued studies in Latin at Birmingham University, followed by philosophy, politics, and economics at Oxford University.
After her parliamentary career, she transitioned into the entertainment industry, participating in Strictly Come Dancing in 2010 and Celebrity Big Brother in 2018.
A committed advocate for the United Kingdom's exit from the European Union, she served as a Member of the European Parliament for the Brexit Party, representing South West England between 2019 and 2020.
In 2023, Widdecombe joined Nigel Farage's Reform UK, following the party's rebranding from the Brexit Party, and appeared frequently as the party's spokesperson on immigration and justice issues.
