10.07.2026 23:21
Former minister and veteran politician Ann Widdecombe was found dead at her home in the UK. A murder investigation has been launched into the death of the 78-year-old politician, who is reported to have suffered severe injuries, and a 26-year-old male suspect has been taken into custody.
It was announced that veteran politician Ann Widdecombe, who served as a minister in Conservative Party governments in the UK, a Member of the House of Commons, and a Member of the European Parliament (MEP), was found dead at her home yesterday. Police have launched a murder investigation following the politician's suspicious death and announced that a suspect has been taken into custody.
SUFFERED SERIOUS INJURIES
Widdecombe's management team issued a statement today, reporting that the 78-year-old politician was found dead at her home in the mountainous Dartmoor region in southwestern England yesterday. The statement did not provide details on when or how Widdecombe died, but stated, "We know this news will come as a great shock to her colleagues and friends."
Police officials, holding a press conference on the incident, stated that yesterday at around 11:40 local time, following a report from ambulance services, teams were dispatched to an address in Dartmoor and found Widdecombe dead at her home, having suffered serious injuries. Police announced that a murder investigation has been launched into the suspicious death.
A 26-YEAR-OLD MALE TAKEN INTO CUSTODY IN CONNECTION WITH THE INCIDENT
Devon and Cornwall Regional Police Force Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman announced at the press conference that a 26-year-old male suspect has been taken into custody this evening in connection with the incident. Longman stated that preliminary investigations indicate the incident is not being treated as a terrorist attack and that the British national suspect remains in custody while the early-stage investigation continues.
When asked whether there were any indications that the murder was politically motivated, Longman replied, "As of now, I have no information that would lead me to believe this is a politically motivated crime."
STARMER: MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES TO ANN'S FAMILY AND FRIENDS
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who has resigned and is expected to step down shortly, described Ann Widdecombe as an "eminent politician" in a statement and said the suspect was "clearly dangerous."
Speaking to journalists, Starmer said, "Today we set aside political differences and come together. I want to express my respect for Ann's years of dedication to public service. My thoughts and deepest condolences are with Ann's family and friends."
Reform UK party leader Nigel Farage said, "Voters loved her. She played a pivotal role in the UK's departure from the EU. We will miss Ann."
WIDDECOMBE'S POLITICAL BACKGROUND
Ann Widdecombe was a figure known in British politics for her staunch social conservatism, Catholic faith, strong support for the UK's departure from the EU, advocacy for tough sentences, and opposition to LGBT rights. Born in 1947, Widdecombe held ministerial positions in Conservative Party governments throughout her decades-long political career. Leaving the Conservative Party in 2019 to join the Brexit Party, Widdecombe was elected as a Member of the European Parliament the same year and served until the UK left the EU.
The veteran politician joined Reform UK in 2023 and served as the party's spokesperson for immigration and justice policies until her death.
Widdecombe served as Minister of State for Employment from 1993 to 1995 under former UK Prime Minister John Major, and as Minister of State for Prisons from 1995 to 1997.