Police investigating the death of former UK government minister Ann Widdecombe believe she was attacked almost a full day before she was found dead at her home in Haytor, Devon. The 78-year-old politician was discovered with serious injuries at around 11:40 a.m. BST on Thursday, but investigators now believe the assault occurred at approximately 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday.
Devon and Cornwall Police have launched a large-scale murder investigation and say detectives are working rapidly to identify those responsible. The force has confirmed that the case is not being treated as terrorism or a politically motivated attack.
Police release initial suspect as investigation continues
The investigation took a significant turn after officers released a 26-year-old British man who had been arrested on suspicion of murder. Authorities confirmed he is no longer part of the investigation, with detectives continuing to pursue other leads.
Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman emphasized that investigators remain focused on gathering evidence rather than speculating publicly.
“Our priority remains identifying those responsible and ensuring that all available evidence is thoroughly examined.”
He added:
“Detectives continue to carry out numerous enquiries as part of the ongoing investigation… We are deploying all of the necessary resources to find out exactly what has happened.”
Police have also declined to release CCTV footage or detailed suspect descriptions, explaining that doing so prematurely could jeopardize ongoing enquiries and future investigative opportunities.
Tributes continue as community reacts
Forensic officers remained at Widdecombe’s property throughout Saturday as residents and political figures paid their respects. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage laid flowers near her home, describing her as “a remarkable individual” and “the fiercest defender of free speech.”
Longtime driver Peter Horrall also remembered her warmly.
“She was a great lady, very kind. If you asked her a question, you’d get an answer – no mucking about.”
Local residents expressed shock that such a violent incident could happen in what they described as a peaceful rural community. Many said they initially believed Widdecombe had suffered a medical emergency before police confirmed a murder investigation.
A career spanning politics and television
Widdecombe served as the Conservative MP for Maidstone from 1987 to 2010, later becoming a Member of the European Parliament for the Brexit Party before joining Reform UK as its Immigration and Justice spokesperson.
Outside politics, she became well known to television audiences through appearances on Strictly Come Dancing in 2010 and Celebrity Big Brother in 2018. Her outspoken views and decades-long public career made her one of Britain’s most recognizable political figures.
Tributes have continued from across the political spectrum. Former Conservative MP Edwina Currie described her as a “brilliant” and “articulate” woman, while broadcaster and former MP Gyles Brandreth remembered his longtime friend as “fun” and “feisty,” saying disagreements never prevented their friendship.
Police have urged anyone with information about the incident, no matter how insignificant it may appear, to contact investigators as efforts continue to establish exactly what happened.
