POLITICIANS have been reacting to the news that a 26-year-old white British man has been arrested on suspicion of murdering former MP and MEP Ann Widdecombe.
The ex-Tory prisons minister was found dead at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor on Thursday after sustaining serious injuries.
Widdecombe, who was 78, later became a Brexit Party MEP and subsequently a Reform UK spokeswoman. She was known for her strong views opposing gay marriage, abortion, and hardline stance on justice issues – including believing that pregnant prisoners should be shackled when taken to hospital.
Outside of politics, she also found fame outside politics after starring in Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother.
At a press conference on Friday Devon and Cornwall Police Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman said the 26-year-old suspect was arrested at an address in Newton Abbot on Friday.
He said the case was “not being treated as terrorism” and there was “no information” at this time to suggest it was a “politically-motivated crime”.
He said: “This is an extremely tragic incident. Our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of Miss Widdecombe in this very difficult time.”
Police are remaining “open-minded” about the motive for the attack and it was too early to comment on whether the suspect was known to Widdecombe.
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 (below), 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 Sir 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.”
