Reform politician hits back at accusation party is exploiting Ann Widdecombe’s death
Reform politician Matt Goodwin has hit back at accusations that the party is exploiting Ann Widdecombe’s death.
He said on social media: “Imagine if somebody had said Labour MPs were using the murder of Jo Cox for ‘propaganda’.
“Then why say it about Nigel Farage? Nigel knew Ann. He respected Ann. And they were incredibly good friends.
“The treatment of Farage is nothing short of disgraceful.”
Bryony Gooch13 July 2026 09:42
Police continue questioning man over suspected murder of Ann Widdecombe
Police are continuing to question a man over the suspected murder of Ann Widdecombe.
A 28-year-old white British man was arrested at an address in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, on Saturday evening, and is understood to remain in police custody.
The police can hold suspects for up to 24 hours before they have to charge you with a crime or release them.
They can apply to hold suspects for up to 36 or 96 hours if they are suspected of a serious crime, such as murder.
Bryony Gooch13 July 2026 09:30
South Yorkshire Police Tactical Support Group van parked outside house linked to suspect on Sunday
On Sunday evening, a South Yorkshire Police Tactical Support Group van was parked outside the Rotherham house linked to the Ann Widdecombe murder suspect.
At least two other marked vehicles, and forensics officers in white overalls were going in and out of the property in Byrley Road in the Kimberworth Park area of Rotherham – more than 200 miles from the former minister’s home in Devon.
Police activity in Rotherham (Dave Higgens/PA) (PA Wire)
Bryony Gooch13 July 2026 09:00
Ann Widdecombe’s final messages sent minutes before death revealed
Bryony Gooch13 July 2026 08:30
Watch: The police’s latest update in Ann Widdecombe murder as suspect, 28, arrestedPolice issue update in Ann Widdecombe murder as suspect, 28, arrested
Bryony Gooch13 July 2026 08:13
Ex-Tory MP accuses Farage of using Ann Widdecombe’s death as propaganda
Former Conservative MP Harvey Proctor has told Nigel Farage to avoid turning Ann Widdecombe’s death into political propaganda after the Reform UK leader suggested her murder was premeditated.
“Ann Widdecombe was far too dear to her family, friends and former colleagues for her murder to be exploited as political propaganda,” Mr Proctor told The Times.
“The police have expressly asked the public not to speculate about the motive. It is therefore deeply disappointing that Nigel Farage has chosen to do precisely that.”
Mr Farage responded: “Harvey was very close to Ann, I know he is upset, but I was really careful not to be political.
“I was very clear in what I said. I said I would not speculate as to whether it was someone with a grudge, someone with mental health problems or someone with political problems.
“I also said very clearly that I didn’t believe for one moment that it was a burglary that went wrong and I am 100 per cent certain I am right on that.”
Bryony Gooch13 July 2026 08:00
In pictures: Reform UK leadership pay tribute to Ann Widdecombe
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Bryony Gooch13 July 2026 07:48
Farage warned not to speculate on Ann Widdecombe’s death
Nigel Farage is facing calls for restraint after sharing his thoughts about the death of veteran politician Ann Widdecombe, amid a police murder investigation.
Reform leader Mr Farage is facing criticism for remarks he made to the press in Devon after paying tribute to Ms Widdecombe on Saturday.
He told reporters he believed the attack on her was “premeditated murder” and said a car had appeared on her drive at around 12.25pm on Wednesday.
“I don’t think it pays at this moment in time to speculate,” Mr Farage also said.
Former Conservative MP Harvey Proctor was among those who criticised Mr Farage, telling The Times: “The police have expressly asked the public not to speculate about the motive.
“It is therefore deeply disappointing that Nigel Farage has chosen to do precisely that.”
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage speaking to the media after he laid a wreath near to the home of Ann Widdecombe in Haytor in Dartmoor (PA)
Bryony Gooch13 July 2026 07:21
Devon and Cornwall Police praised for swift response in Ann Widdecombe murder investigation
Chief constable James Vaughan said the Devon and Cornwall Police had delivered “British policing at its very best” after responding to the murder of former MP Ann Widdecombe.
He said police had mounted “an extraordinary response to a horrific murder of a very prominent public figure” and that the investigation had moved at “lightning pace” over the past 48 hours.
Vaughan added: “I am really pleased that we have a suspect firmly in custody.”Devon’s police and crime commissioner Alison Hernandez said the case had created a “very unsettling time” for the local community.
“One of the lines that the police are always saying is ‘don’t speculate’ – my view is everyone is going to speculate, but just do it in the safety of your own home or down the pub,” she said.
Maroosha Muzaffar13 July 2026 07:10
Former police chief warns social media is undermining criminal investigations
Former police chief Sir Peter Fahy has warned that social media has transformed criminal investigations by increasing public commentary before cases reach court.
He argued that the criminal justice system was designed for an earlier era and now struggles to cope with the speed and volume of information shared in high-profile cases.
He told the Guardian: “I think the whole sub-judice rule is under a massive amount of pressure … the reality is, often in high-profile cases, so much is said and publicised beforehand … the whole murder investigation process, the criminal justice system, the court process was designed for another era, something closer to Midsomer Murders.”
He told the outlet that public interventions could also create practical dangers for detectives.
“Things can be said and lodged in the public mind and then, when somebody is arrested and the case comes to court, even though the story may be very different, that doesn’t get the same sort of coverage.”
He said: “We’re asking the police to do an impossible job here, where everything they do is being commented on and speculated on and often filmed as well.”
Maroosha Muzaffar13 July 2026 06:50