Summary
- A 28-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murdering former UK minister and Reform UK spokesperson Ann Widdecombe, police have confirmed.
- Devon and Cornwall Police said the suspect, a British national, was taken into custody in South Yorkshire as part of the ongoing investigation.
- A previous suspect, a 26-year-old man who was arrested in Newton Abbot, was later released after police confirmed he was no longer involved in the investigation.
A 28-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murdering former UK minister and Reform UK spokesperson Ann Widdecombe, police have confirmed.
Devon and Cornwall Police said the suspect, a British national, was taken into custody in South Yorkshire as part of the ongoing investigation.
Widdecombe, 78, was found with serious injuries at her home in Haytor, Devon, on Thursday. Police believe she was attacked before she was discovered.
Authorities said the latest arrest was carried out with support from South Yorkshire Police and Counter Terrorism Policing North East.
Police stressed that there is currently no evidence suggesting the incident was linked to terrorism. The investigation remains active, and officers continue to examine the circumstances surrounding her death.
A previous suspect, a 26-year-old man who was arrested in Newton Abbot, was later released after police confirmed he was no longer involved in the investigation.
A large police presence remained near Widdecombe’s property over the weekend, with forensic teams continuing their work at the scene.
Tributes have been paid by political figures and members of the public following her death.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage described Widdecombe as a remarkable figure and praised her commitment to free speech.
Her longtime driver Peter Horrall also paid tribute, describing her as a kind and straightforward person who always spoke honestly.
Leaders from across the UK’s political spectrum expressed shock over her death and remembered her long career in public service.
Widdecombe served as a Conservative MP for Maidstone from 1987 to 2010 and held several ministerial positions, including roles related to employment, prisons and the Home Office.
After leaving Parliament, she remained in public life through media appearances and later represented the Brexit Party as a Member of the European Parliament.
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