Ann Widdecombe Found Dead at Dartmoor Home, Man Arrested on Murder Charge

Ann Widdecombe was found dead at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor on Thursday morning after sustaining serious injuries, The Independent reported. A 28-year-old white British man was arrested on suspicion of murder in Rotherham, 260 miles away, on Saturday evening.

Nigel Farage stated he believed Widdecombe’s death was premeditated murder and told reporters he did not believe it was a burglary that went wrong.

He also said a car had appeared on her drive at around 12.25pm on Wednesday. Harvey Proctor, a former Conservative MP and close friend of Widdecombe, told The Times that she was far too dear to her family, friends and former colleagues for her murder to be exploited as political propaganda.

He added that the police have expressly asked the public not to speculate about the motive and called it deeply disappointing that Farage had chosen to do so.

The Independent reported that Farage failed to declare a £5m gift he received from crypto-billionaire Christopher Harborne shortly before becoming an MP. Farage initially said the gift was used to fund his personal security amid threats to his safety.

A source told the Mail on Sunday that Widdecombe’s family do not want her death hijacked for political purposes and were very uneasy about Farage attending the scene of the investigation.

Matt Longman, assistant chief constable of Devon and Cornwall Police, urged against speculation on Sunday, stating that it is unhelpful, does not aid the investigation, and is distressing to the family and friends of Widdecombe. Farage told The Times that he was very careful not to be political and said he would not speculate as to whether it was someone with a grudge, mental health problems or political problems.