28-Year-Old Man Arrested on Suspicion of Murdering Former MP Ann Widdecombe

A 28-year-old white British man was arrested on Saturday at an address in Rotherham on suspicion of murdering Ann Widdecombe. South Yorkshire Police and Counter Terrorism Policing North East carried out the arrest on behalf of Devon and Cornwall Police. The suspect remains in custody.

Police stated there is nothing to suggest the killing was politically motivated. Devon and Cornwall Police added there is no information indicating the incident was terrorism-related. Officers are not seeking anyone else in connection with the case.

Widdecombe, aged 78, was found dead at her home in Haytor, Devon, on Thursday after sustaining serious injuries. Police believe she was attacked there on Wednesday at about 12:30 p.m. A 26-year-old white British man arrested earlier at an address in Newton Abbot has been released from the investigation.

Devon and Cornwall Police Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman said the case was moving at a significant pace. Widdecombe was first elected to Parliament in 1987 as a Conservative MP and later served as a Brexit Party MEP. GB News reported that Reform UK leader Nigel Farage visited her Dartmoor home, named Widdecombe's Rest, on Saturday, and that the party provided 24-hour security for its MPs following her death.