Ann Widdecombe, a former British member of Parliament and reality television contestant, was found dead in her home on Thursday after sustaining serious injuries, police said. A 26-year-old man was arrested Friday on suspicion of murder in connection with her death.
Police stated that the killing is not believed to be an act of terror, nor is there any information to suggest it was politically motivated. Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman of Devon and Cornwall Police said the suspect is in custody as the investigation continues, but he did not discuss a potential motive.
Widdecombe, 78, was discovered in her home in Haytor Vale, located on the edge of Dartmoor National Park in southwest England. She served as a Member of Parliament (MP) from 1987 to 2010, known for her socially conservative stances on issues such as abortion rights and LGBTQ+ rights. After leaving Parliament, she gained further public recognition as a contestant on the reality shows "Strictly Come Dancing" and "Celebrity Big Brother." She later became involved with the Brexit Party and served as a spokeswoman for the Reform UK party.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer offered condolences, calling Widdecombe a "distinguished politician" and a "huge, huge loss." He declined to speculate on whether the killing was politically motivated, emphasizing the importance of lawmaker security. The security of lawmakers has been a point of concern following the murders of two sitting MPs in recent years: Jo Cox in 2016 and David Amess in 2021.
Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson remembered Widdecombe as a "heroic Brexiteer and a great speaker." Her management company stated that her life was guided by strong Christian values and a commitment to public service. They noted her continued engagement in political debate and her forthright views on contemporary issues, quoting her as saying, "we get one go this side of eternity, one go. Life is not a dress rehearsal, you take opportunities that you like, and you go for it, that’s my philosophy."
