British police have released a 26-year-old man who had been arrested in connection with the death of former Conservative Member of Parliament Ann Widdecombe, continuing the search for the suspect responsible for the attack. Widdecombe, 78, was found dead at her home in Haytor Vale, Devon, on Thursday morning after sustaining serious head injuries. Authorities believe she was attacked on Wednesday around 12:30 p.m., with her body remaining undiscovered for nearly 24 hours.
Devon and Cornwall Police treated the death as suspicious but said they have no evidence of terrorism or political motivation. The released suspect, also from Devon, is no longer considered part of the investigation. Officers are pursuing leads involving a white male believed to be connected to the incident and continue door-to-door inquiries alongside appeals for CCTV, doorbell, and dashcam footage in the area.
Widdecombe was a prominent political figure who served as the Conservative MP for Maidstone, Kent, from 1987 until her retirement in 2010, including a tenure as prisons minister under Prime Minister John Major. After leaving Parliament, she re-entered politics as a member of the Brexit Party and later as a spokeswoman for Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage. Her profile extended beyond politics through appearances on television shows such as the BBC’s "Strictly Come Dancing" and "Celebrity Big Brother."
On the day of the attack, Widdecombe participated in a Talk TV broadcast supporting Farage’s campaign and was expected to appear on Channel 5’s "Matt Allwright" program. She had exchanged messages with a show researcher on Wednesday but failed to respond to subsequent calls, prompting concern.
Nigel Farage visited Widdecombe’s home on Saturday, laying flowers and stating his belief that the killing was premeditated rather than random. Farage also noted the party’s ongoing efforts to review communications for any threats or abuse directed at her. He expressed concern about the increasing dangers faced by public figures.
Political leaders across the spectrum reacted with shock. Prime Minister Keir Starmer called Widdecombe’s death “really shocking” and urged unity across political divides. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch described the attack as horrific and expressed sympathy for Widdecombe’s family. Former colleagues and friends paid tribute to Widdecombe’s distinctive presence in politics, recalling her as a formidable debater with a passionate commitment to her beliefs and a sharp wit.
Local residents described her as active and independent, often seen driving locally without the need for a carer. The police have not disclosed further details regarding the nature of her injuries or the events leading to her death. The investigation remains at an early stage, with authorities appealing to anyone with information, however minor, to come forward. Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman emphasized the priority of identifying those responsible and completing a thorough examination of the evidence.