Ann Widdecombe found dead at home as man, 26, arrested for murder

Ann Widdecombe, a former Conservative minister and prominent television personality, has been found dead at her home in Haytor, a village located on the edge of Dartmoor National Park. She was 78. Following the discovery of her body, which police stated had sustained "serious injuries," a murder investigation was launched. On Friday, 10 July 2026, Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed the arrest of a 26-year-old white, British man in connection with the incident. The suspect was apprehended at an address in the town of Newton Abbot.

Officers were initially called to the property at approximately 11:40 on Thursday, 9 July 2026. Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman confirmed that the suspect remains in police custody as forensic teams and specialist officers conduct examinations at the residence. A police cordon and road closures have been established around the home, and local residents have been informed to expect a significant, ongoing police presence as house-to-house and CCTV inquiries proceed.

Media additions

26-year-old man arrested on suspicion of the murder of Ann Widdecombe

Authorities have explicitly stated that the incident is not being treated as a terrorist act. Assistant Chief Constable Longman indicated that there is no evidence at this stage to suggest the crime was politically motivated, though investigators remain "open-minded" regarding whether the suspect was known to the deceased. The force has confirmed it consulted with counter-terrorism policing as part of its initial procedural protocols. Police have formally requested that the public refrain from speculation, noting that unauthorized conjecture is "deeply distressing" for the family of the deceased.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer addressed the nation regarding the investigation, describing the news as "really shocking." Speaking from Chequers, the Prime Minister urged the public to assist investigators, labeling the suspect as "clearly dangerous." Starmer emphasized the need for national unity, stating,

"This is a moment where we rise above any political differences, the political divide, and say the single most important thing at the moment is that all of us, and the public, help the police identify the individual suspected and make sure he’s arrested as quickly as possible."

Keir Starmer, Prime Minister, via Media Briefing

Public Reaction and Tributes

The death of Widdecombe, who served as the Member of Parliament for Maidstone and The Weald from 1987 until her retirement in 2010, has prompted widespread responses across the political spectrum. Her career included a transition to the Brexit Party and a subsequent role as a spokesperson for Reform UK. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch stated she was "stunned" by the news, describing the killing of an elderly person as a "nasty, horrific attack."

Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, expressed personal distress, describing her as a "remarkable, principled woman." Tributes also arrived from the entertainment world, where Widdecombe became a familiar figure following her retirement from the House of Commons. Anton Du Beke, her dance partner on Strictly Come Dancing, stated he was "devastated" by the loss of his former colleague and friend.

Investigative Context

The death of a former high-profile politician has drawn comparisons to the killings of other public figures in recent years, including Sir David Amess and Jo Cox. Widdecombe had previously addressed the risks facing politicians, noting that while she had received death threats, she chose to ignore them to maintain the ability of elected representatives to engage freely with their constituents. She had been a close friend of Sir David Amess, and his daughter, Katie Amess, paid tribute to the "kindness, strength and dignity" Widdecombe showed following her father's death.

Devon and Cornwall Police have established a "Major Incident Public Portal" for members of the public to submit information, images, or footage.