It began with a call to the ambulance service at 11:40 on Thursday morning. By Friday a murder investigation was under way after Ann Widdecombe, 78, was found dead with serious injuries at her home in Haytor Vale on Dartmoor. Yesterday police arrested a 26-year-old white British man in Newton Abbot on suspicion of her murder. Today they released him. He is no longer part of the inquiry.
That swift release should reassure rather than alarm. Thorough, evidence-based policing remains the only reliable safeguard for public safety, especially when the victim is a public figure who spent decades arguing for stronger borders, clearer rules and a more cohesive Britain. Widdecombe served as a Conservative minister before becoming immigration and justice spokesperson for Reform UK. Her willingness to defend sovereignty and traditional values earned her respect across party lines even when it drew fierce criticism.
Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman made the position clear. "We can confirm that a 26-year-old man was arrested at an address in Newton Abbot this afternoon on suspicion of the murder of Ann Widdecombe. The suspect, who is a white British national, has been released and is no longer part of the investigation." He added that the murder inquiry is in its early stages but "moving at a significant pace" with "all of the necessary resources" being deployed.
Our priority remains identifying those responsible and ensuring that any evidence is thoroughly examined. Our murder inquiry is in its early stages but moving at a significant pace. We're deploying all of the necessary resources to find out exactly what has happened and to locate the person responsible.
The force has ruled out terrorism or political motivation after consulting counter-terrorism colleagues. That matters. It keeps the focus where it belongs: on ordinary violent crime and the urgent need to solve it. Officers continue extensive enquiries. They are appealing for information, images or footage that might help establish exactly what happened in that isolated bungalow within Dartmoor National Park.
Widdecombe's family has been told. Specially trained officers are supporting them. They have asked for privacy, a request that deserves to be honoured. Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the news as "really shocking" and offered thoughts for her family and friends, calling her a distinguished politician whose loss would be felt across the country. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch spoke more bluntly: she was "stunned", struggling for words, calling it heart-breaking for the family and "a nasty attack on a public figure".
Ongoing investigation demands focus
The Major Crimes Investigation Team leads the probe. A large police presence remains at the scene with a cordon still in place. Forensic work continues. At this stage speculation helps no one, least of all the family or the officers trying to build a solid case. What the public can do is pass on anything useful and let professionals do their job without the distraction of online theories.
