Police have launched a murder investigation into the death of Ann Widdecombe, a former Conservative Member of Parliament. Authorities believe she was attacked approximately 24 hours before her body was discovered.
Widdecombe's death was announced early Friday morning by her management agency, which initially did not mention any suspicious circumstances. By Friday afternoon, Devon and Cornwall Police had confirmed the launch of a murder investigation and stated they were seeking a suspect described as a white British man.
A 26-year-old white British man was arrested in connection with the murder but has since been released and is no longer considered part of the ongoing investigation.
Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, laid a wreath at Dartmoor National Park, near Widdecombe's home. He described her as a "remarkable individual" and "the fiercest defender of free speech," adding that his party was cooperating fully with the police investigation.
Ann Widdecombe, a former Conservative MP, was also known for her appearances on television, including as a contestant on the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing. She served as the MP for Maidstone and The Weald from 1997 to 2005 and later represented Christchurch in Dorset from 2005 until she stepped down from Parliament in 2010.
Local residents expressed shock and disbelief. Christine Maloney, who lives near Widdecombe's home, told the PA news agency that the area is typically considered "very safe." Another resident, Alison Gilbert, noted that while Widdecombe was known as an opinionated politician, she was also a member of the local community. Her husband, Simon Gilbert, added, "She didn't deserve to die like that."