Ann Widdecombe, the former Conservative minister, was attacked nearly 24 hours before her death, according to Devon and Cornwall Police. The 78-year-old was discovered with serious injuries at her home in Haytor, Devon, at 11:40 BST on Thursday, July 11, 2026. Authorities believe the attack occurred around 12:30 BST on Wednesday.
Police are actively investigating the incident and are focusing on finding a suspect described as a white male. On Saturday, a 26-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder was released and is no longer part of the inquiry. Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman stated that identifying those responsible remains a priority and urged anyone with information to come forward.
Community Shocked by News of Ann Widdecombe's Death
Residents of Haytor are in shock as the details of the murder investigation unfold. Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, laid memorial flowers near Widdecombe's home, describing her as a "remarkable individual" and a "fiercest defender of free speech."
Forensic teams have been seen working at the scene, and police have ruled out terrorism or any politically motivated crime. Longman emphasized the importance of not releasing further suspect details prematurely, as it could compromise the investigation.
Tributes Pour In for the Acclaimed Politician
Widdecombe's political career spanned several decades, serving as a Tory MP for Maidstone from 1987 to 2010. She also appeared on television shows like Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother. Following her departure from politics, she joined the Brexit Party in 2019 and later became the Immigration and Justice spokesperson for Reform UK.
Tributes from across the political spectrum have been pouring in, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer urging unity in the wake of the tragedy. Former Tory MP Edwina Currie described Widdecombe as "brilliant" and "articulate," expressing her devastation over the news. Broadcaster Gyles Brandreth remembered her as a fun and feisty individual, emphasizing their long-standing friendship.
Investigation Continues as Community Awaits Answers
The police investigation is ongoing, with detectives conducting numerous enquiries to gather evidence. Local residents, who previously viewed their community as safe, are struggling to come to terms with the violence that has shaken their lives.
- Ann Widdecombe was found dead on July 11, 2026.
- Suspected attack occurred on July 10, 2026, at around 12:30 BST.
- A 26-year-old man was arrested but released from custody.
- Police have ruled out terrorism and political motivations.
Widdecombe's long-time driver, Peter Horrall, shared his disbelief, recalling her kindness and honesty. As the investigation unfolds, the community remains hopeful for answers.
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by BBC News. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
