Ann Widdecombe Death Man Arrested On Suspicion Of Murder

A 28-year-old man has been arrested in South Yorkshire on suspicion of the murder of former MP and MEP Ann Widdecombe.

The former Conservative minister, and later Reform UK spokesperson, was found dead at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor on Thursday after sustaining serious injuries.

A statement from Devon and Cornwall Police on Saturday night said: “We can confirm that a 28-year-old man was arrested at an address in the South Yorkshire area on suspicion of the murder of Ann Widdecombe.

“The suspect, who is a white British national, is now in police custody.”

The statement added: “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.”

Police have said it is believed Widdecombe was attacked on Wednesday at about 12.30pm.

The 78-yea-old was first elected a Conservative MP in Kent in 1987, and went on to serve as an MEP for the Brexit Party and then a spokeswoman for Reform UK.

She also found fame outside politics after starring in Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother.

Her personal driver of 10 years, Peter Horrell, lay flowers in front of her home on Saturday.

Speaking to reporters, he said the politician “never mentioned any fear” for her safety and loved living in Haytor.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage also visited the village to pay tribute to Widdecombe on Saturday.

His party’s MPs have been given 24-hour security following Ms Widdecombe’s death, paid for by Reform, for fear of similar attacks.

ITV News has published a series of WhatsApp images which appear to show that Miss Widdecombe stopped responding to messages from a TV producer after the approximate time police believe the attack took place on Wednesday.

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