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The Prime Minister on Friday described the killing of veteran politician Ann Widdecombe as “shocking”, and said it was important for everyone to rise above political differences, as ITV News’ Neil Connery and Sabah Choudry report
A 26-year-old white British man has been arrested on suspicion of murdering former MP and MEP Ann Widdecombe.
The ex-Tory prisons minister was found dead at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor on Thursday after sustaining serious injuries.
Widdecombe, who was 78, later became a Brexit Party MEP and subsequently a Reform UK spokeswoman.
She also found fame outside politics after starring in Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother.
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Devon and Cornwall Police Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman said the 26-year-old suspect was arrested at an address in Newton Abbot on Friday.
He said the case was “not being treated as terrorism” and there was “no information” at this time to suggest it was a “politically motivated crime”.
He said: “This is an extremely tragic incident. Our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of Miss Widdecombe in this very difficult time.”
Police are remaining “open-minded” about the motive for the attack and it was too early to comment on whether the suspect was known to Miss Widdecombe.
Watch the Devon and Cornwall Police press conference here
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer urged people to come together across political divides following the murder.
Speaking to reporters in his Chequers country retreat, he said he had spoken to his likely successor Andy Burnham, Tory leader Kemi Badenoch and Reform UK’s Nigel Farage to “urge everybody to come together at a moment like this”.
He said: “This is really shocking news, and my thoughts, I think all of our thoughts, will be with the family and friends of Ann Widdecombe at this awful time for them.
“Ann was a distinguished politician over many, many years with many achievements, and it’s a huge, huge loss.”
A manhunt has been launched for a white male believed to be responsible, police said. Credit: ITV News West Country
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said it was important to “rise above any political differences”.
Addressing reporters, Starmer said he would not speculate on any potential motive but urged the public to help catch the “clearly dangerous” suspect.
Conservative leader Badenoch said: “I’ve really struggled to find the words to say. Ann Widdecombe was a very fun and feisty woman who spoke her mind, and she was 78 years old, she was an elderly woman.
“I don’t understand how someone could do something so horrific to an elderly person. It was a nasty, horrific attack and my heart is breaking for her family.”
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said he was “deeply, deeply upset” by the nature of Ann Widdecombe’s death.
In a message shared on social media, the Reform leader said: “I’m pleased the police have caught somebody, a 26-year-old man.
“We don’t know what political motives are, whether they exist at all. Was it a burglary gone wrong? We just don’t know. And I’m not going to speculate at this stage. I’m pleased the police are doing their job.
“Our nation is a much, much poorer place without her. Reform UK is certainly a much worse place without her. I was expecting to see her in Clacton over the course of the next few days. Sadly, that is not going to happen.
“And I do fear that for anybody in public life, or especially the political space, things have become even more dangerous to them.”
Farage added it was a “terrible reflection on modern Britain”.
A spokeswoman for Andy Burnham said: “Andy’s deepest condolences and thoughts are with Ann’s family today, in incredibly distressing circumstances.
“Ann gave a lifetime of public service, and it’s absolutely right that the police put all their resources into investigating this as swiftly as possible.”
Widdecombe’s management firm Cloud 9 urged people with information to contact the police and said: “We are absolutely devastated by this news following a very traumatic and upsetting 24 hours.”
The Home Secretary urged the public not to speculate, describing the circumstances as “extremely distressing”.
The ex-Tory prisons minister, who was 78, later became a Brexit Party MEP and subsequently a Reform UK spokeswoman. Credit: PA
In a post on X, Shabana Mahmood said: “I am deeply saddened to hear of the death of Ann Widdecombe. The circumstances of her death are extremely distressing and my thoughts are with Ann’s family and loved ones.
“Ann’s dedication to public service was decades long, and she was a true servant of her constituents.
“I have spoken to the Chief Constable of Devon and Cornwall police today. The Home Office stands ready to provide whatever support they need with their ongoing investigation.
“I urge everyone to avoid speculation and allow the police investigation to progress.”
Ann Widdecombe’s last media appearance was on Wednesday when she spoke live on TalkTV via remote video link.
ITV News has learnt that Miss Widdecombe was also due to be a guest, via video call from her home, on Channel 5’s Matt Allwright show at 1pm on the same day, but didn’t appear.
A researcher on the show had spoken to Miss Widdecombe on the phone earlier in the afternoon to set up the interview.
After the call, the researcher exchanged messages with Miss Widdecombe, with her last message received at 12:19pm.
When the researcher then messaged again at 12:48pm requesting that Miss Widdecombe join the Zoom link in preparation for the remote interview, Ms Widdecombe did not reply.
Subsequent voice calls and messages asking if everything was ok remained unanswered.
After concerns were raised by the show’s research team about the uncharacteristic lack of response by Miss Widdecombe, who was a regular on the show, they contacted her agent later on Wednesday and followed up again on Thursday.
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