Police Launch Murder Inquiry After Ann Widdecombe Found Dead at Devon Home

Devon and Cornwall Police found Ann Widdecombe dead with serious injuries at her home in Haytor, Dartmoor, on the morning of July 9. Officers were called to the address by the ambulance service at 11:40 a.m. Detectives from the Force Major Crime Investigation Team opened a murder inquiry.

A 26-year-old white British man was arrested on suspicion of murder at an address in Newton Abbot, about 15 km from the scene, on the afternoon of July 10. He was released from custody the same day and is no longer part of the investigation. Forensic examinations, house-to-house enquiries and CCTV review continue at the property.

A cordon and road closures remain in place around the home. Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman said the incident is not being treated as terrorism and that investigators have no information suggesting political motivation. Widdecombe served as a Conservative MP from 1987 to 2010 and held junior ministerial posts in John Major's government.

She later became a Brexit Party MEP from 2019 to 2020 and most recently served as immigration spokesperson for Reform UK. Prime Minister Keir Starmer called for the nation to come together across the political divide in tribute to her public service. Her next of kin have been informed and are supported by specially trained officers.

Longman described the inquiry as in its early stages but moving at significant pace. A Major Incident Public Portal has been established for information submissions.