THE 26-year-old man who on Friday was arrested on suspicion of murdering former MP and MEP Ann Widdecombe has been released from custody.
The Devon and Cornwall Police have confirmed that the man was no longer part of the investigation.
The former Conservative prisons minister was found dead at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor on Thursday after sustaining serious injuries.
While the circumstances of her death are being investigated, the police are currently not treating it as terror-related or politically motivated.
Devon and Cornwall Police previously said the case of her death is “not being treated as terrorism” and there is “no information” at this time to suggest it was a “politically-motivated crime”.
Assistant chief constable Matt Longman added: “Our priority remains identifying those responsible and ensuring that all available evidence is thoroughly examined.
“Detectives continue to carry out numerous enquiries as part of the ongoing investigation and we remain committed to establishing the full circumstances surrounding the incident.”
He said the investigation was “moving at a significant pace”, adding: “We are deploying all of the necessary resources to find out exactly what has happened.
“I would appeal to anyone who may have information about this incident, however insignificant it may seem, to come forward and speak with us.
“We will release further information when we are able to do so. In the meantime, I would ask people 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 Miss Widdecombe. The family have also asked for their privacy to be respected as they come to terms with what has happened.
“We have set up a Major Incident Public Portal for information, images or footage to be submitted to us. This can be found on our website.
“Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers.”
Politicians across the political spectrum have been responding to the news.
"I am very saddened to hear of the death of Ann Widdecombe and the awful circumstances in which this has happened. I extend my sympathy to her family, friends and many colleagues," Scotland's First Minister John Swinney said.
Zack Polanski, the leader of the Green Party of England and Wales, commented: "Shocked to hear the news about the circumstances of Ann Widdecombe's death. My thoughts are with her loved ones at this distressing time."
Nigel Farage, leader of the Reform party of which Widdecombe was a member, put out a video statement on Twitter/X saying he was "deeply upset" by the circumstances of Widdecombe's death.
He said he would be pausing campaigning in the Clacton by-election as a result of the incident.
He added that "we just don't know" what has happened and stressed he wouldn't be speculating about her death.
Meanwhile, speaking to reporters at Chequers, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said it was important to “rise above any political differences” in the wake of the news.
He said: “This is really shocking news, and my thoughts, I think all of our thoughts, will be with the family and friends of Ann Widdecombe at this awful time for them.
“Ann was a distinguished politician over many, many years with many achievements, and it’s a huge, huge loss."
A spokeswoman for Andy Burnham, who is set to become the UK's next prime minister in a matter of weeks, 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.”
Kemi Badenoch said she was “stunned” to hear police had opened a murder inquiry after the death of Ann Widdecombe.
The Conservative leader told reporters: “I’ve been stunned to hear this awful news.
“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 and she was 78 years old, she was an elderly woman.
“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.
“The Conservative Party is reeling. Ann was a long-standing member of the Conservative Party, she was a Conservative minister, and then she moved to Reform.
“I’m sure they’re just as stunned as we are, and I extend my condolences to Nigel Farage and everyone in Reform on behalf of the Conservative Party, because we’ve both lost a friend.”
