Ann Widdecombe murder probe: What we know so far
Widdecombe's last public appearance
- Published
Police have launched a murder investigation into the death of Ann Widdecombe.
The 78-year-old former Conservative minister turned Reform UK spokeswoman was found dead at her home in Devon on Thursday morning with serious injuries.
On Saturday evening, police said they had arrested a 28-year-old man in South Yorkshire on suspicion of her murder.
Here is everything we know - and do not know - so far:
What has happened?
Police were pictured attending Ann Widdecombe's home on Dartmoor on Friday
Information unfolded over Friday and Saturday about what happened earlier in the week, including how and when Widdecombe died. Here is a timeline of events so far.
Wednesday
08:05 BST - Ann Widdecombe appears on TalkTV from her home in Haytor, a village on Dartmoor, to speak about her party Reform UK's leader Nigel Farage
12:19 - A researcher from Channel 5 reportedly speaks to Widdecombe looking to set up a video statement - her last message was received at 12:19
12.30 - Police believe this is the time that Widdecombe was attacked
12:48 - The Channel 5 researcher messages again, according to ITV reports, asking Widdecombe to join a Zoom link before the interview but she does not reply
Thursday
11:40 - Devon and Cornwall Police officers are called by the ambulance service and find Widdecombe dead in her home, with serious injuries
Friday
At around 06:30 - The BBC reports the announcement of Ann Widdecombe's death. A statement from her managing team does not have any information about when, how or where she had died and no detail to suggest her death was suspicious
At 15:44 - Police issue a statement saying they have launched a murder investigation. The force says there is "no information that this is a politically motivated crime" and also confirm the incident is not being treated as terror-related
At 16:13 - Widdecombe's management team releases a second statement saying they are "absolutely devastated" by the news of the police investigation following a "very traumatic and upsetting 24 hours"
At 17:45 - Devon and Cornwall Police Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman says at a press conference that a 26-year-old white British man has been arrested on suspicion of murder
Saturday
Shortly before 07:00 - Police say the suspect has been released from custody and is no longer part of their investigation. Police remain at the scene and a manhunt is under way as the force says the investigation is "moving at a significant pace"
The force say they are still searching for a suspect who they believe is a white male in connection with her death
At about 18:15, police say they have decided not to release further information, including descriptions of potential suspects or CCTV footage, for the time being. They say such information could "compromise ongoing enquiries".
Shortly before midnight, police said a 28-year-old white British national had been arrested in South Yorkshire, adding there was still no information to suggest the incident was terrorism-related.
Man arrested on suspicion of murder of Ann Widdecombe, police say
- Published1 hour ago
Village in shock as 'horrific' Ann Widdecombe murder case unfolds
- Published8 hours ago
What arrests have been made so far?
A 26-year-old white British man was arrested on Friday on suspicion of the murder of Widdecombe. He was arrested in Newton Abbot, a town roughly 10 miles from Haytor.
However, on Saturday morning, Devon and Cornwall Police said the man had been released from custody and was no longer part of the investigation.
Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman said: "Our priority remains identifying those responsible and ensuring that all available evidence is thoroughly examined."
In a statement on Saturday afternoon, police confirmed they were still hunting "for a suspect who is believed to be a white male".
Shortly before midnight on Saturday, police said they had arrested a 28-year-old man in South Yorkshire on suspicion of murder.
"The suspect, who is a white British national, is now in police custody," the statement from Devon and Cornwall police said.
How have people reacted?
Widdecombe's political career spanned decades - she served as MP for Maidstone in Kent for 23 years and worked as a Home Office and employment minister in John Major's government between 1994 and 1997.
Following news of the police investigation, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said it was "shocking news" and his thoughts were with Widdecombe's family "at this awful time".
He said he had spoken to the Speaker of the House of Commons Lindsay Hoyle, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, Farage, as well as the prime minister's likely successor Andy Burnham, "to urge everybody to come together".
Badenoch said she was "stunned" and "really struggled to find the words". She added: "My heart is breaking for her family."
Burnham sent his condolences to Widdecombe's family, saying: "Ann gave a lifetime of public service."
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood urged the public "to avoid speculation and allow the police investigation to progress".
In a post on X, she said the circumstances of Widdecombe's death were "extremely distressing", adding that her "thoughts are with Ann's family and loved ones".
Laying a wreath near Widdecombe's home on Saturday, Farage told reporters she was a "remarkable individual" and "the fiercest defender of free speech".
Watch: Starmer, Badenoch and Farage respond
Who was Ann Widdecombe?
Widdecombe was born in Bath, Somerset, in 1947 and went on to study Latin at Birmingham University, then philosophy, politics and economics at Oxford University.
After leaving Parliament she embarked on a showbiz career, appearing on Strictly Come Dancing in 2010 and Celebrity Big Brother in 2018.
Anton Du Beke, Widdecombe's dance partner on Strictly, said her death was the "saddest of news".
"We had an incredible time together," he said in a video on X.
A staunch supporter of the UK's departure from the EU, Widdecombe became an MEP for the Brexit Party, representing South West England in the European Parliament between 2019-2020.
In 2023, Widdecombe joined Reform UK, after the party changed its name from the Brexit Party, and made a number of appearances as the party's immigration and justice spokesperson.