The investigation into the murder of Ann Widdecombe, a former Conservative minister and prominent spokesperson for Reform UK, is focusing on a critical 30-minute period and a suspicious vehicle near her Dartmoor home. Widdecombe, 78, was found dead in her bungalow in Haytor, Devon, on Thursday morning, approximately 24 hours after the time police believe she was killed.
Police suspect the attack occurred around 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday. This timeframe is based on her last known communication, a WhatsApp message sent at 12:19 p.m. to a Channel 5 News producer confirming she had received a Zoom link for an interview. A follow-up message from the producer at 12:48 p.m. went unanswered, and the message was never opened, indicating Widdecombe was likely deceased by then. She was scheduled to appear live on Channel 5 News at 1:25 p.m. but failed to join the Zoom meeting.
Earlier on Wednesday, around 9 a.m., a garage manager in Haytor alerted police to a suspicious dark VW Golf Mk4 parked in an unusual location near Widdecombe's residence. The manager reported that a man, described as being in his late 20s or early 30s and not appearing to be a local, was seen near the vehicle and heading in the direction of Widdecombe's house. Police requested CCTV footage of the car, but none was available from the garage. Nigel Farage later claimed a similar suspicious car had been seen on Widdecombe's driveway, though police have not confirmed this detail.
Widdecombe had made a live appearance on TalkTV earlier on Wednesday, starting at 8 a.m., where she discussed Nigel Farage's resignation as an MP and the upcoming by-election in Clacton. She appeared in good spirits during the video call from her home.
Concerns for Widdecombe's well-being were first raised by a friend on Thursday morning after they were unable to contact her. Her gardener subsequently discovered her body later that morning, reporting she had suffered what police described as serious injuries.
Devon and Cornwall Police announced on Friday evening that a 26-year-old man had been arrested on suspicion of murder. However, by Saturday morning, he had been released and removed from the investigation. Late Saturday evening, a 28-year-old man, identified as a white British national from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, was arrested in South Yorkshire, approximately 270 miles from Widdecombe's home. This arrest was supported by Counter Terrorism Policing North East and South Yorkshire Police.
Authorities have stressed that there is currently no evidence to suggest the murder was politically motivated or related to terrorism, despite Widdecombe's high-profile status as a former minister and her work with Reform UK. They have urged the public not to speculate on motives. Widdecombe's family has been informed of the arrest and is receiving support from specialist officers. The investigation remains ongoing, with detectives remaining open-minded about potential motives.