Police Confirm Arrest of Suspect in Ann Widdecombe Murder Case

Man arrested on suspicion of murder – Devon and Cornwall Police have confirmed that a man in his twenties is being questioned regarding the death of Ann Widdecombe. The individual, identified as a white British national, was apprehended in South Yorkshire. He is currently being held in custody while inquiries continue. The former minister was discovered at her home in Haytor, located within Dartmoor National Park, suffering from significant injuries. Her body was found on Thursday morning at 11:40 BST.

Investigators believe the fatal attack happened nearly 24 hours prior to the discovery. Before this latest development, a 26-year-old man had been detained in Newton Abbot, a town situated 11 miles from the scene. That individual was released on Saturday after police concluded he was no longer a person of interest. The new suspect was taken into custody at a property in South Yorkshire, roughly 430 kilometers away from Widdecombe’s Devon residence.

“At this time, there is still no information to suggest that this is a terrorism related incident and as a force we retain primacy of the investigation.”

Counter Terrorism Policing North East and South Yorkshire Police assisted in the apprehension on behalf of the local force. Despite the initial involvement of counter-terrorism officers, they have ruled out any political motivation behind the death. The police emphasized that this remains a live investigation.

“This is a live and active investigation, and no further information will be issued tonight.”

Widdecombe’s relatives have been updated on the progress of the case. Over the weekend, a heavy police presence was maintained around her home. Forensic teams were observed entering and exiting the property. Meanwhile, members of the public and prominent figures have begun leaving floral tributes near the entrance.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage was among those paying respects. He described Widdecombe as a “remarkable individual” who stood as “the fiercest defender of free speech”. Her longtime driver, Peter Horrall, also visited the scene. He expressed his disbelief to the BBC, calling her a “great lady” who was “very kind”. He noted that she was straightforward, stating, “if you asked her a question, you’d get an answer – no mucking about”.

Political leaders across the spectrum have reacted with sorrow. Outgoing Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch both shared messages of grief. They highlighted her substantial contributions to public service over many years.

A Life in Public Service

Widdecombe’s career extended over several decades. She served as the Member of Parliament for Maidstone in Kent from 1987 until 2010. During her tenure, she held key ministerial roles within John Major’s government, covering employment, prisons, and the Home Office between 1994 and 1997. Following the Conservative defeat in 1997, she took on senior shadow positions, including shadow health secretary and shadow home secretary.

After leaving Parliament, she gained wider recognition through television. She competed on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing in 2010, finishing as a runner-up. Eight years later, she appeared as a contestant on Celebrity Big