Murder detectives have initiated a new manhunt for the suspected killer of Ann Widdecombe, a former Conservative MP and MEP, after releasing a 26-year-old man who had been arrested in connection with her death. The investigation is reportedly moving at a significant pace, with authorities prioritizing the identification of those responsible.
Widdecombe, 78, was found dead on Thursday at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor, having sustained serious injuries. The alarm was raised after she failed to appear for a scheduled appearance on Channel 5's Matt Allwright show at 1 p.m. on Wednesday. Her last known communication was a message exchanged with a show researcher at 12:19 p.m. that day. Subsequent attempts to contact her via messages and calls went unanswered, prompting concern from the show's research team, who contacted her agent. Her family also became worried when they could not reach her by phone.
Police were called to her property around 11:40 a.m. on Thursday, where her body was discovered in the kitchen by her gardener. A cordon remained in place at the property on Friday morning as forensic officers continued to gather evidence.
Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman stated that the investigation is moving swiftly and that all necessary resources are being deployed. He appealed to the public for any information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, and urged against speculation, particularly on social media, due to the potential harm to the investigation and the distress it could cause to Widdecombe's family and friends. A Major Incident Public Portal has been established on the force's website for the submission of information, images, or footage.
Widdecombe, who also served as Reform UK's spokesperson for Immigration and Justice, had previously expressed a robust stance against fear, even after the murder of fellow MP Sir David Amess. She had stated that she did not fear being attacked due to her beliefs and high profile, recounting instances of receiving death threats during her parliamentary career and adopting a dismissive attitude towards them.
Political figures across the spectrum offered their condolences. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage described her death as a "terrible reflection on modern Britain." Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer urged people to "come together" across political divides, acknowledging Widdecombe's distinguished career. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch called the attack "horrific," while former Prime Minister Boris Johnson called for swift answers from the police. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood expressed deep sadness at the circumstances of her death.
A source close to the family described their shock and disbelief at Widdecombe's "brutal" death, expressing difficulty in coming to terms with the circumstances and the terror she may have experienced in her final moments.
