Ann Widdecombe, a former British member of Parliament and prominent Brexit supporter, was found dead Thursday at her home on the edge of Dartmoor National Park in southwest England. She was 78 years old.
Devon and Cornwall Police announced the arrest of a 26-year-old man on suspicion of murder in connection with her death. Authorities stated that Widdecombe died of serious injuries. Investigators currently do not believe the killing was politically motivated, according to Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman.
The murder inquiry is in its early stages but is progressing rapidly, police said. The name of the arrested suspect has not been released.
Widdecombe served in Parliament for many years before gaining wider public recognition through her appearances on reality television shows such as "Strictly Come Dancing" and "Celebrity Big Brother." After leaving Parliament, she joined the Brexit Party and later became a spokeswoman for the Reform UK party, advocating against mass migration.
Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson remembered Widdecombe on X as "a heroic Brexiteer and a great speaker." Cloud9 Management, her former representation, stated that her life was guided by "strong Christian values and commitment to public service." The company also noted her continued campaigning for Reform UK and her forthright views on contemporary issues, as well as her patronage of animal charities.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer offered his condolences, calling the news "shocking" and acknowledging Widdecombe's "distinguished politician over many, many years with many achievements."
This incident follows the murders of two serving British members of Parliament in the past decade. Labour lawmaker Jo Cox was killed during the 2016 Brexit campaign, and Conservative lawmaker David Amess was fatally stabbed in 2021. Police reports indicated that Cox was murdered by an individual with Nazi sympathies, while Amess's attacker was inspired by the Islamic State terror group.