Devon and Cornwall Police have launched a murder investigation following the death of former Conservative minister and Reform UK spokeswoman Ann Widdecombe, who was found dead at her remote home on Thursday.
Emergency services were called to the 78-year-old’s property in Haytor, on the south-eastern edge of Dartmoor, at approximately 11:40 BST on July 9.
According to police statements, Widdecombe was located deceased inside the house and had sustained serious injuries.
Forensic teams have cordoned off the property-ironically named “Widdecombe’s Rest,” where she had planned to spend her retirement since moving there in 2008, as detectives from the Force Major Crime Investigation Team continue extensive enquiries.
Detective Chief Inspector Ilona Rosson confirmed that the murder inquiry is moving at a significant pace, with police actively searching for a suspect described as a white male.
Law enforcement officials have appealed urgently to the public for any CCTV, doorbell, or dashcam footage from the vicinity of Haytor Vale, while advising communities to remain vigilant but avoid unhelpful speculation on social media.
The political establishment has reacted with profound shock to the news. Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the murder investigation “shocking news,” describing the suspect as “clearly dangerous” and imploring anyone with information to assist the police.
Speaking to the media, Starmer urged the public to rise above political differences, noting that he had been in contact with cross-party leaders, including House of Commons Speaker Lindsay Hoyle and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, to encourage national unity.
When questioned about a potential political motivation behind the attack, the Prime Minister declined to speculate, emphasizing that the security of politicians remains of the utmost importance.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch expressed deep dismay during a visit to Portsmouth, stating that the party is “reeling” over the horrific nature of the attack on an elderly woman.
Badenoch remembered Widdecombe as a fun, feisty, and uncompromised figure who always spoke her mind, extending her condolences to Reform UK on behalf of the Conservatives.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood also labeled the circumstances surrounding the death “extremely distressing,” adding that the Home Office stands ready to provide full support to the local police force.
Widdecombe’s management team at Cloud9 Management stated they are absolutely devastated by what they described as a very traumatic and upsetting 24 hours.
The agency had initially announced her passing earlier in the day without providing details on the location or cause of death, but has since reiterated the family’s plea for privacy.
Widdecombe’s political career spanned more than three decades. She served as the Member of Parliament for Maidstone in Kent for 23 years, during which she held prominent roles as a Home Office and prisons minister under John Major’s administration.
A staunch Eurosceptic, she defected to the Brexit Party in 2019, serving as an MEP, before continuing her public life as the immigration and justice spokesperson for Reform UK.
Beyond politics, she became a highly recognizable cultural figure through high-profile television appearances on Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother. Only a day before she was found dead, she had appeared on Talk TV to discuss contemporary political developments.
A heavy police presence remains at the isolated Dartmoor property as a press conference by Devon and Cornwall Police is set to provide further details on the fast-evolving investigation.
