LAST UPDATE | 8 mins ago

A 26-YEAR-OLD MAN has been arrested on suspicion of the murder of former MP and British minister Ann Widdecombe.

The white British man was arrested at an address in Newton Abbot today, Devon and Cornwall Police Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman said.

Longman said the death of 78-year-old Widdecombe is not being treated as terror-related and there was “no information” at this time to suggest it was a “politically motivated crime”.

Widdecombe was an ex-Conservative Party prisons minister who later became a Brexit Party MEP and subsequently a Reform UK spokeswoman.

She also found fame outside politics after starring in Strictly Come Dancing.

Devon and Cornwall Police has said that it was called to Widdecombe’s home in Haytor at around 11.40am on Thursday by the ambulance service.

It said Widdecombe was found dead inside at her home, having sustained “serious injuries”.

The police said her next-of-kin have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers.

Detective Chief Inspector Ilona Rosson said: “Our murder inquiry is in its early stages but moving at a significant pace.

“We are deploying all of the necessary resources to find out exactly what has happened and to locate the person responsible who we believe to be a white male.

“I would appeal to anyone who may have information about this incident, however insignificant it may seem, to come forward and speak with us.”

Rosson added that there is an “increased uniformed police presence in the area to both support the investigation and provide reassurance to residents”.

Rosson said the force will release further information when it is able to do so.

She also appealed to the public not to speculate about what might have happened, particularly on social media.

“This is not only potentially harmful to our investigation but also deeply distressing for family and friends of Ann Widdecombe.”

Widdecombe, who appeared on Talk radio on Wednesday, lived in Haytor, near Newton Abbott in Devon.

British prime minister Keir Starmer said it was “really shocking news” that police have launched a murder investigation into the death of Widdecombe, praising the former MP as a “distinguished politician”.

He added that it was a moment to “rise above any political differences” and said he had spoken to Nigel Farage, Andy Burnham and Kemi Badenoch.

Sir Keir Starmer has said the murder investigation being launched after the death of Ann Widdecombe is 'really shocking news'.

The prime minister added it was important to 'rise above any political differences'.

Read more: https://t.co/m4XOrcKKKg pic.twitter.com/EafjRTMaEF

— Sky News (@SkyNews) July 10, 2026

He urged anyone with information to help police get the suspect into custody.

Speaking to reporters at Chequers, Starmer added: “This is a moment where we rise above any political differences, the political divide and say the single most important thing at the moment is that all of us and the public help the police identify the individual suspected and make sure he’s arrested as quickly as possible.

“He’s clearly dangerous, and I implore everybody who’s got any information in relation to him to help the police with their inquiries, get him into police custody.”

Asked whether Widdecombe’s murder is believed to have been politically motivated, Starmer said the security of politicians “is of the utmost importance” but he would not speculate on any potential motive.

Starmer said: “It’s really important we remain vigilant. I’m not going to speculate about this particular case.”

The UK Home Secretary has also urged the public to refrain from speculation over Widdecombe’s death, describing the circumstances as “extremely distressing”.

In a post on X, Shabana Mahmood said: “The circumstances of her death are extremely distressing and my thoughts are with Ann’s family and loved ones.

“Ann’s dedication to public service was decades long, and she was a true servant of her constituents.

I am deeply saddened to hear of the death of Ann Widdecombe. The circumstances of her death are extremely distressing and my thoughts are with Ann's family and loved ones.

Ann's dedication to public service was decades long, and she was a true servant of her constituents.

I…

— Shabana Mahmood MP (@ShabanaMahmood) July 10, 2026

“I have spoken to the Chief Constable of Devon and Cornwall police today. The Home Office stands ready to provide whatever support they need with their ongoing investigation.

“I urge everyone to avoid speculation and allow the police investigation to progress.”

Kemi Badenoch said she was “stunned” to hear police had opened a murder inquiry.

The Conservative leader told reporters: “To be honest, I’ve really struggled to find the words to say. Ann Widdecombe was a very fun and feisty woman who spoke her mind.

“I don’t understand how someone could do something so horrific to an elderly person. It was a nasty, horrific attack and my heart is breaking for her family.

“It’s one thing when someone dies, but to know that they’ve been murdered in this horrible way is just awful.”

Widdecombe’s management said it is “absolutely devastated” by the news the police have launched a murder investigation into her death.

The statement said: “We are absolutely devastated by this news following a very traumatic and upsetting 24 hours.

“We fully support the police in their investigations and we reiterate the family’s desire not to be contacted at this difficult time.

“We implore anyone who may have relevant information to contact Devon & Cornwall Police.”

Widdecombe was a Conservative MP between 1987 and 2010 for the Kent constituency of Maidstone, later Maidstone and the Weald, and held several ministerial positions in John Major’s government.