Former MP Ann Widdecombe found dead; 26-year-old held on murder suspicion

London,UPDATED: Jul 10, 2026 23:28 IST

A 26-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after former British MP and television personality Ann Widdecombe was found dead with serious injuries at her home, police said on Friday. Widdecombe, 78, was found on Thursday at her home in Haytor Vale on the edge of Dartmoor Park in south-west England.

Police said the killing was not believed to be an act of terror and there was no information to suggest it was politically motivated. Devon and Cornwall Police Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman said the suspect remained in custody and the investigation was continuing.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: "This is really shocking news, and my thoughts, I think all of our thoughts, will be with the family and friends of Ann Widdecombe at this awful time." He added: "Ann was a distinguished politician over many, many years with many achievements, and it's a huge, huge loss."

Longman did not discuss a possible motive. Asked whether the killing was politically motivated, Starmer said he would not speculate and added that the security of lawmakers was "of the utmost importance" as he urged people to rise above political differences.

Security for politicians has been tightened after the murders of two serving MPs in the past decade. Labour lawmaker Jo Cox was shot and stabbed in 2016 by a far-right extremist, while Conservative lawmaker David Amess was stabbed in 2021 by an attacker inspired by the Islamic State group.

Widdecombe served in the House of Commons from 1987 to 2010 and was known for her socially conservative positions, including opposition to abortion rights and the expansion of LGBTQ rights. After leaving Parliament, she found wider fame through the reality television shows Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother. She later joined the Brexit Party and became a spokeswoman for the anti-immigration Reform UK party.

Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson described Widdecombe as a "heroic Brexiteer and a great speaker who could move Tory audiences to such ecstasy that she was a very hard act to follow."

Cloud9 Management, which represented her after she left politics, said her life and career were shaped by strong Christian values and a commitment to public service. "She loved the cut and thrust of political debate and, 16 years after leaving Parliament, was still actively campaigning for Reform UK and offering forthright views on the hot topics of the day," the company said.

The company also recalled her words: "As Ann once said...we get one go this side of eternity, one go. Life is not a dress rehearsal, you take opportunities that you like and you go for it, that's my philosophy'." Police continued their investigation on Friday as tributes highlighted Widdecombe's long political career and public profile.

With PTI Inputs

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