Police launch murder investigation into Ann Widdecombe's sudden death
A murder investigation has been launched into the death of former MP and MEP Ann Widdecombe, Devon and Cornwall Police said.
She was found dead in her home in Dartmoor, Devon yesterday (9 July), aged 78, having sustained 'serious injuries', a police statement said.
Detective Chief Inspector Ilona Rosson said: "This is an extremely tragic incident and our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of Ann Widdecombe at this difficult time.
“Our murder enquiry is in its early stages but moving at a significant pace. We are deploying all of the necessary resources to find out exactly what has happened and to locate the person responsible who we believe to be a white male.
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“I would appeal to anyone who may have information about this incident, however insignificant it may seem, to come forward and speak with us.
"We are particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have seen anything suspicious in the vicinity of Haytor Vale, Haytor, or anyone with CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage which could assist with our investigation.
"We have an increased uniformed police presence in the area to both support the investigation and provide reassurance to residents. Anyone with concerns can speak with our officers at the scene.
“We will release further information when we are able to do so. In the meantime I would ask people not to speculate about what might have happened, particularly on social media. This is not only potentially harmful to our investigation but also deeply distressing for family and friends of Ann Widdecombe.”
A representative for Widdecombe's management said in a statement: "We are absolutely devastated by this news following a very traumatic and upsetting 24 hours. We fully support the police in their investigations and we reiterate the family's desire not to be contacted at this difficult time.
"We implore anyone who may have relevant information to contact Devon & Cornwall Police."
The Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, said the circumstances around former MP Ann Widdecombe’s death are “extremely distressing”, adding: “My thoughts are with Ann’s family and loved ones”.
A statement from Cloud9 Management, who represented her for more than a decade, said: "It is with great sadness that today we announce the death of the Rt Hon Ann Widdecombe, DSG.
“Her life and career were driven by her strong Christian values and 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.
“Ann was a valued patron of many causes, particularly her animal charities.
“As Ann once said on The Graham Norton Show, ‘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’.
“We send our deepest condolences to Ann’s family and friends. We ask that the family’s wish not to be contacted at this sad time is respected.”
Widdecombe was a Conservative MP between 1987 and 2010 for the Kent constituency of Maidstone and she also held several ministerial positions in Sir John Major’s government.
The political figure became known for far more than her politics, appearing on Celebrity Big Brother and Strictly Come Dancing.
This came off the back of a decades long political career however, joining Reform UK in 2023. Farage spoke out on X about her death, saying she had played a 'decisive role' in getting Brexit 'over the line'.
He said: "When Ann Widdecombe decided to stand for The Brexit Party in the snap 2019 European Elections, it was a big moment and huge boost. The voters loved her."
A Downing Street spokeswoman said Widdecombe was "a distinctive figure in British politics for many years".
Michael Slavin