UK police have arrested a 28-year-old man in South Yorkshire on suspicion of involvement in the murder of Ann Widdecombe, a former minister and Reform UK spokesperson, found at her home in Devon. Police confirmed no evidence links the case to terrorism or political motives.
Devon and Cornwall police revealed they detained a 28-year-old white British man at a residence in South Yorkshire on suspicion of murdering Ann Widdecombe, a former female Conservative minister and Reform UK's spokesperson on immigration and justice. The suspect is held for questioning.
The arrest took place about 430 kilometers from Widdecombe's home in the village of Haytor, Devon. Police were supported by Northeast counter-terrorism units and South Yorkshire police during the operation.
Previously, police arrested a 26-year-old man in Newton Abbot, approximately 18 kilometers from the crime scene, on the same suspicion but released him on Saturday after determining he was no longer part of the investigation.
Widdecombe, aged 78, was found severely injured at her home at 11:40 a.m. local time on Thursday (9 July). Police believe she was attacked nearly 24 hours earlier before her management team announced her death on Friday.
Although counter-terrorism authorities were initially involved, investigations so far reveal no indication that the incident is terrorism-related or politically motivated crime. Authorities have withheld details about the suspect and CCTV footage to protect the ongoing investigation.
Over the past weekend, forensic teams and police maintained a strong presence at Widdecombe's residence, while members of the public and politicians laid flowers in tribute. Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, praised her as a distinguished figure and a staunch defender of free speech.
Peter Horrell, Widdecombe's long-time personal driver, expressed disbelief at the incident, describing her as a kind, straightforward woman who always answered questions sincerely.
Politicians from various parties, including Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Conservative leader Keir Badenoch, expressed condolences over Widdecombe's death, commending her decades of dedication to British politics and society.
Ann Widdecombe began her political career as Conservative MP for Maidstone from 1987 to 2010, serving as minister in several departments under Prime Minister John Major before taking key opposition roles after the party's 1997 election defeat.
After leaving Parliament, she gained prominence on television through BBC's Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother. She returned to politics with the Brexit Party in 2019 as a Member of the European Parliament and joined Reform UK in 2023, serving as spokesperson on immigration and justice until her passing.
/sourceBBC