Devon and Cornwall Police continue to search for the individual responsible for the murder of former Member of Parliament Ann Widdecombe, whose body was found at her home near Dartmoor National Park. The 78-year-old, a former Conservative MP and Brexit Party MEP, was discovered with severe blunt trauma to the head in the kitchen of her isolated bungalow in Haytor at 11:40 a.m. on Thursday, nearly 24 hours after she was killed.
Police have released limited information about the suspect and have chosen not to share CCTV footage or descriptions at this stage. Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman indicated that disclosing such details prematurely might hinder ongoing enquiries and investigations. He confirmed that officers are pursuing multiple lines of enquiry and are focusing on a single suspect believed to be a white male. Officers are reportedly working on the theory that Ms. Widdecombe was killed after interrupting a burglary. Residents in Devon had recently been advised to secure their homes during a heatwave amid heightened criminal activity.
Ms. Widdecombe was last seen publicly on the morning of Wednesday, July 8th, during an interview on Talk TV. Later that day, she was scheduled to appear as a guest via video call on Channel 5’s Matt Allwright show at 1 p.m. She messaged a researcher at 12:19 p.m. but did not respond to a follow-up text at 12:48 p.m. The broadcast went ahead without her. It is believed she was attacked around 12:30 p.m. that day. Concerns about her whereabouts were raised later that evening, prompting contacts with her agent. Her body was subsequently found the next morning.
A 26-year-old British man was arrested on suspicion of murder on Friday in Newton Abbot, approximately 10 miles from the crime scene, but he was released without charge on Saturday morning and is no longer considered a suspect.
Local residents have expressed shock and concern following the killing. Stephen Codner, a parish council member, described the area as generally safe with little crime, while others suggested the assailant may be someone known to the community. Nearby residents recalled Ms. Widdecombe as a well-known and personable figure despite her outspoken views. Her driver, Peter Horrell, who laid flowers at her home, said she never mentioned feeling unsafe.
Police have stated there is no evidence to suggest the killing was politically motivated or connected to terrorism. Authorities have asked anyone with information, no matter how minor it may seem, to come forward but urged the public to avoid speculation on social media, out of respect for the investigation and those close to Ms. Widdecombe.
The death has prompted responses from political leaders, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who spoke with key figures from various parties calling for unity in light of the tragedy. Tory leader Kemi Badenoch described the incident as “nasty” and “horrific,” while Reform UK leader Nigel Farage visited Haytor to pay tribute and stated that the party had found no evidence of targeted abuse toward Ms. Widdecombe.
The investigation remains ongoing as police continue to follow leads in their efforts to identify and apprehend the perpetrator.