POLICE OPEN MURDER INVESTIGATION AFTER ANN WIDDECOMBE FOUND DEAD

Devon and Cornwall Police opened a murder investigation after former Conservative minister Ann Widdecombe was found dead at her home in Devon, according to Reuters and the Associated Press. Reuters reported that Widdecombe, 78, was found with serious injuries on Thursday, and police said a forensic investigation was underway.

The Associated Press reported that police arrested a 26-year-old man on suspicion of murder. Police said the case was not being treated as terrorism or politically motivated at this stage, according to AP.

Reuters reported that Widdecombe was found at her home on Dartmoor, while AP identified the location as Haytor Vale. Police said the investigation was continuing and asked the public not to speculate while officers carried out inquiries.

Police said forensic examinations were underway, according to Reuters. AP reported that investigators were continuing to examine the circumstances of the death, and that the suspect remained in custody after the arrest.

Widdecombe served as a Conservative member of Parliament from 1987 to 2010 and held junior ministerial roles under Prime Minister John Major, according to Reuters. AP reported that she later became widely known outside Westminster through television appearances and later political activity with the Brexit Party and Reform UK.

Reuters reported that Widdecombe was known for socially conservative positions and for being a prominent supporter of Brexit. AP reported that Prime Minister Keir Starmer and former Prime Minister Boris Johnson were among political figures who issued tributes after her death.

Police have not released a motive, according to AP. Authorities said the investigation was not being treated as terror-related or politically motivated, and no further conclusion about motive had been announced at the time of reporting.

The immediate questions are whether police release additional information about the suspect, whether charges are brought, and what forensic findings establish about the circumstances of Widdecombe's death. Police said the investigation remains active.

Fact-check date: 10 July 2026
Article type: News
Sources: Reuters, Associated Press, Devon and Cornwall Police