Ann Widdecombe’s family speak out as police say they don’t believe ‘killing’ was

Devon and Cornwall confirmed a 26-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder following the discovery of the former MP at her Devon home.

Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman spoke in a press conference at the force’s Exeter HQ on Friday afternoon.

Here is what we know:

• A 26-year-old man was arrested on Friday afternoon at an address in Newbot Abbot on suspicion of the murder of Ann Widdecombe
• The suspect is a white British national and remains in police custody while enquiries continue
• The murder is not being treated as terror-related
• The investigation is in its early stages, with ‘no information’ at this time on whether the incident was politically motivated
• There is ‘no known ongoing risk’
• Anyone with information is urged to contact the force

Conservative former leader Sir Iain Duncan described his pride in having known Ann Widdecombe in the light of the ‘tragic news’ of her ‘violent’ murder.

Sir Iain, the Conservative MP for Chingford and Woodford Green, told Sky News: ‘The day started with sad news about Ann and her death. I and others reacted to that out of sadness.

‘And then, what, an hour, an hour-and-a-half, maybe two hours ago, it suddenly became apparent that this sad news is tragic news.

‘We cannot say for certain this is a murder case. But what we do know is it’s a violent act, one way or the other, and that is a tragedy for all of us who were very fond of Ann, and not the right way to go at all.

He later added: I have to say I was enormously proud to have known her. We didn’t always agree on everything, but we agreed on most things.

Devon and Cornwall Police said it remains ‘open-minded’ to the investigation of the murder of the former Conservative MP.

Police Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman said: ‘At this time I have got no information to believe that it was a politically motivated crime.’

The family of Ann Widdecombe shared thanks for public support following the discovery of the former MP at her Devon home.

Speaking at the front door of his white fronted Victorian terraced home in Cheltenham, Ms Widdecombe’s nephew Roger said: ‘My thanks go to everybody who has sent messages of condolences.

‘But we are not going to say anything further at this stage. Thank you.’

Ann Widdecombe’s death is not being treated as a terrorist incident, Devon and Cornwall Police said.

Police Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman said: ‘Detectives from the force major crime investigation team have launched a murder investigation, and are conducting extensive inquiries into the circumstances surrounding Ms Widdecombe’s death.

‘While we work closely with our partners and consulted counter-terrorism policing as part of our initial inquiries, the incident is not being treated as terrorism.

‘A cordon remains in place at the property, while specialist officers continue forensic examinations.

‘There are road closures in place around the scene, and the public will see significant police activity in the area while detectives and other officers continue house-to-house and CCTV inquiries.

‘This is an extremely tragic incident. Our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of Miss Widdecombe in this very difficult time.’

A 26-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with the death of Ann Widdecombe.

The suspect, a white British national, was arrested at an address in Newton Abbot on Friday, Devon and Cornwall Police Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman said.

He is in police custody.

The death is not being treated as terror-related.

The Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle said he is ‘deeply shocked’ to ‘learn of the circumstances around Ann’s death’.

He added: ‘The police investigation must now take its course and I hope anybody with relevant information will contact them.’

The likely prime minister and Makerfield MP Andy Burnham has shared his sympathies with Ann Widdecombe’s family.

A spokesperson for Andy Burnham said: ‘Andy’s deepest condolences and thoughts are with Ann’s family today, in incredibly distressing circumstances.

‘Ann gave a lifetime of public service, and it’s absolutely right that the police put all their resources into investigating this as swiftly as possible.’

Sir Ed Davey, the Liberal Democrat leader, said he was ‘really shocked and distressed’ after police announced they launched a murder investigation into Ann Widdecombe’s death.

Writing on social media, the Lib Dem leader said: ‘I’m really shocked and distressed at the news about Ann Widdecombe.

‘She was a woman of deep faith who devoted her life to public service. The idea that she could have been murdered is truly horrifying.

‘My thoughts and prayers are with her family and all who loved her.’

Strictly Come Dancing’s Anton Du Beke has said he is ‘devastated’ to hear that Ann Widdecombe has died.

The pair were partnered together on the BBC One dancing programme in 2010.

In a video shared on X prior to police announcing they had launched a murder investigation into her death, he said: ‘I had the most brilliant time with Ann on Strictly Come Dancing.

‘She became a real friend. She was fun. She was upbeat. She was positive. She was supportive.

‘We had an incredible time together and we stayed firm friends.

‘My thoughts go out to all of her nearest and dearest and all her family. This is a sad day and I’m devastated by the news of Ann’s passing but I shall remember her fondly, and miss her.’