Former UK MP Ann Widdecombe murder probe launched

British police have launched a murder investigation after former UK MP Ann Widdecombe was found dead at her home in Devon.

The 78-year-old former Conservative minister and Reform UK spokeswoman was discovered at her Dartmoor residence on Thursday morning. Police said she had suffered serious injuries.

A 26-year-old British man was arrested in Newton Abbot on Friday on suspicion of murder. He remains in police custody as detectives continue their investigation.

Police said the inquiry is at an early stage. Officers have appealed to the public for any information that could help them understand the circumstances surrounding her death.

Authorities confirmed that the case is not being treated as a terrorist incident. Counter-terrorism officials were consulted during the initial investigation.

Police said there is currently no evidence that the killing was politically motivated. Officials also said it was too early to confirm whether the suspect knew Widdecombe before the incident.

The news of Widdecombe’s death shocked Britain’s political community. Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the murder investigation as shocking.

Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch expressed sadness and said she was stunned by the “horrific” incident. Former prime minister Boris Johnson called for a quick investigation and said the facts should be established.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage paid tribute to Widdecombe, describing her as an extraordinary and principled woman. Other political figures also shared condolences with her family.

Widdecombe served as the Conservative MP for Maidstone for 23 years before leaving Parliament. She later joined the Brexit Party, which became Reform UK, and became one of its prominent voices.

She also became a familiar television personality after appearing on programmes including Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother.

Born in Bath in 1947, Widdecombe studied at the University of Birmingham and the University of Oxford before entering politics. She remained a prominent public figure through her political career and media appearances.