Man arrested on suspicion of Ann Widdecombe murder is released

Man arrested on suspicion of Ann Widdecombe murder is released

A 26-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murdering former government minister and Reform UK spokesperson Ann Widdecombe has been released from custody and is no longer part of the police investigation.

Investigation Details

• The Suspect: The man, identified as a white British national, was arrested on Friday, July 10, 2026, at an address in Newton Abbot, Devon. Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed early on Saturday, July 11, that he has been entirely ruled out of their inquiries.
• The Incident: The 78-year-old political figure was found dead with serious head injuries on Thursday morning, July 9, 2026, at her secluded bungalow home in Haytor Vale on Dartmoor, Devon. Her carer and a neighbor raised the alarm after she could not be reached.
• Police Action: Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman stated that the murder enquiry is moving at a "significant pace". Detectives are exploring all lines of inquiry, including a potential burglary gone wrong, but have explicitly noted the incident is not being treated as terrorism. There is currently no evidence indicating a political motivation.
• Public Appeal: Police have maintained active forensic cordons and road closures around the property. Authorities are urging witnesses or anyone with CCTV, doorbell, or dashcam footage from the area to come forward via the Devon and Cornwall Police Major Incident Public Portal.

Tributes and Context

Ann Widdecombe was a highly prominent figure in British public life, serving as a Conservative MP for Maidstone for 23 years and holding ministerial roles in John Major’s government. She later transitioned to pop-culture fame on shows like Strictly Come Dancing before returning to politics as a Brexit Party MEP and Reform UK spokeswoman.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called the murder investigation "really shocking news," while Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch stated she was "stunned" by the horrific event. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage paid tribute to her as a "remarkable, principled woman" and expressed deep concerns regarding the escalating dangers faced by people in public service.