FRESH ARREST IN 'NON TERRORISM-RELATED' MURDER OF ANN WIDDECOMBE AS POLITICAL PARTIES PAY TRIBUTE TO THE FORMER MP | INFORMING BRITAIN ON CURRENT AFFAIRS

Ann Widdecombe, the 78-year-old former Conservative Party Member Of Parliament for Maidstone and later Member Of European Parliament, was found dead at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor, Devon, on Thursday.

Devon & Cornwall Police believe she had sustained serious injuries in an attack around midday the previous day, approximately 24 hours earlier.

She had been expected to appear on a daytime television programme but stopped responding to messages.

Devon & Cornwall Police launched a murder investigation after ambulance staff were called to the property.

On Saturday evening, a 28-year-old white British man was arrested on suspicion of murder at an address in Rotherham, South Yorkshire.

Police Officers from South Yorkshire Police and Counter Terrorism Policing carried out the arrest on behalf of Devon & Cornwall Police.

Reports indicate the suspect drove approximately 300 miles to Ann Widdecombe's address, allegedly carrying a wooden pole or stick used in the attack.

CCTV footage is reported to show the man leaving an address in the Rotherham area early on Wednesday morning and placing the item into a red vehicle.

A 26-year-old white British man had been arrested on Friday in Newton Abbot, Devon, but was released the following day and is no longer part of the investigation.

Devon & Cornwall Police have stated there is nothing to suggest the incident was terrorism-related or politically motivated.

Detectives remain open-minded about the motive and have confirmed they are not looking for anyone else.

There is no indication of a wider threat to the public.

A cordon is in place at the scene and a heightened police presence is expected in the area in the coming weeks.

Devon & Cornwall Police have received more than 120 reports via their Major Incident Public Portal and has appealed for further information, including anonymously through CrimeStoppers.

Police Officers have warned that speculation about the motive is unhelpful to the investigation, advising against those wishing to discuss on Social Media, and it may cause further distress to Ann Widdecombe's family and friends.

In response to the death, Reform UK has arranged 24-hour protection for their Members Of Parliament, including Robert Jenrick and Lee Anderson.

Tributes have been paid by political figures across parties.

Missed by millions. pic.twitter.com/AKRHUu0Nr7

— Reform UK (@ReformParty_UK) July 11, 2026

May her soul rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/RPPfpeqECL

— Nigel Farage (@NIGEL_FARAGE) July 11, 2026

My deepest condolences and those of the Conservative Party to the family and friends of Ann Widdecombe. She was a formidable politician who was never afraid to speak her mind and fought hard for what she believed. Always true to herself, her politics were strongly guided by her… https://t.co/eBdMXRQKGG

— Kemi Badenoch (@KEMIBADENOCH) July 10, 2026

The whole country will be utterly shocked by the awful news about the circumstances of Ann Widdecombe’s death.

Today we come together across the political divide and I pay tribute to Ann’s dedication during her many years of public service.

My thoughts and deepest condolences… pic.twitter.com/hXps6A9s78

— Keir Starmer (@KEIR_STARMER) July 10, 2026

Anyone with information who can help police with this investigation should contact 101 or CrimeStoppers on 0800555111.