A murder investigation has been launched into the death of Ann Widdecombe, a former member of Parliament, who was found dead in her home in southwest England on Thursday. Police described her death as suspicious after she sustained serious injuries.
Widdecombe, 78, was discovered at her residence in Haytor, a village on the edge of Dartmoor National Park, according to a statement from Devon and Cornwall Police. The force is reportedly seeking a white male as a suspect.
The former Conservative lawmaker served as a prisons minister before leaving Parliament. She later gained public recognition as a contestant on the television show "Strictly Come Dancing." Following her parliamentary career, Widdecombe became involved with the Brexit Party and later served as a spokeswoman for the anti-immigration Reform UK party.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood called the circumstances of Widdecombe's death "extremely distressing."