Man arrested for Ann Widdecombe’s ‘murder’ – what we know

Police are investigating the death of the 78-year-old , who was a former Conservative MP, Brexit Party MEP, and prisons minister. 

Ms Widdecombe was found dead at a property in Haytor, near Newton Abbott, on Thursday, July 9.

What we know so far about Ann Widdecombe’s suspected murder

How did Ann Widdecombe die?

Ms Widdecombe was found dead with serious injuries at a property in Haytor.

Police were called to the scene at 11.40am on Thursday (July 9) and launched a murder investigation.

Who has been arrested?

A 26-year-old British man was arrested on suspicion of murder on Friday (July 10) at an address in Newton Abbot.

What details have been shared about the suspect?

Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman confirmed that the suspect is a 26-year-old white British male and said the incident is not being treated as terrorism.

He said there is no indication that the crime was politically motivated.

How are police investigating?

A cordon remains in place at the property in Haytor.

A cordon remains in place around Ann Widdecombe’s home in Haytor. (Image: Matt Keeble/PA Wire)

Forensic examinations are underway, and officers are carrying out house-to-house inquiries and reviewing CCTV footage.

Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman, at a press conference on Friday, explained: “Detectives from the force major crime investigation team have launched a murder investigation, and are conducting extensive inquiries into the circumstances surrounding Ms Widdecombe’s death.

“While we work closely with our partners and consulted counter-terrorism policing as part of our initial inquiries, the incident is not being treated as terrorism.

“A cordon remains in place at the property, while specialist officers continue forensic examinations.

“There are road closures in place around the scene, and the public will see significant police activity in the area while detectives and other officers continue house-to-house and CCTV inquiries.

“This is an extremely tragic incident. Our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of Miss Widdecombe in this very difficult time.”

What have national leaders said?

The murder investigation has drawn responses from senior politicians.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called the news “really shocking,” while Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch said she was “stunned” by the events.

The whole country will be utterly shocked by the awful news about the circumstances of Ann Widdecombe’s death.

Today we come together across the political divide and I pay tribute to Ann’s dedication during her many years of public service.

My thoughts and deepest condolences… pic.twitter.com/hXps6A9s78

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— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) July 10, 2026

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood described Ms Widdecombe’s death as “extremely distressing” and urged the public not to speculate as the investigation continues.

What support is in place for the public?

Devon and Cornwall Police have established a Major Incident Public Portal for anyone with information, images, or footage related to the case.

Members of the public can also contact police by calling 101 or through the Devon and Cornwall Police website, quoting reference 50260179119 and Operation Hunlen.

Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their website.

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What happens next?

Police remain at the scene and the investigation is ongoing.

Officers are appealing for further information from the public as they work to establish the full circumstances surrounding Ms Widdecombe’s death.

A statement from Devon and Cornwall Police reads: “This is an extremely tragic incident.

“Our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of Miss Widdecombe in this very difficult time.”