Ann Widdecombe failed to appear on a scheduled TV interview on Wednesday, her last message sent at 12.19pm, before a researcher's follow-up calls and texts at 12.48pm went unanswered. The producer of Channel 5's Matt Allwright show then contacted her agent; the next day, ambulance workers called police to her home in Haytor, Devon, where the 78-year-old former Conservative minister was found dead with serious injuries.
Devon and Cornwall Police launched a murder investigation, announcing on Friday that a 26-year-old white British man had been arrested on suspicion of murder at an address in Newton Abbot, about 10 miles from her home. But on Saturday, Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman confirmed the man had been released from custody and was no longer part of the investigation. “Our priority remains identifying those responsible and ensuring that all available evidence is thoroughly examined,” Longman said.
“Police release 26-year-old suspect as manhunt continues for killer of former MP Ann Widdecombe, found dead with serious injuries.”
Detectives from the Major Crime Investigation Team are conducting house-to-house enquiries and reviewing CCTV footage. Detective Chief Inspector Ilona Rosson appealed for anyone who saw anything suspicious in the Haytor Vale area, or who has dashcam or doorbell footage, to come forward. Police said there was “no information that this is a politically motivated crime” and the death was not being treated as terror-related. A cordon remains in place, with a significant police presence expected while forensic examinations continue.
Tributes poured in from across the political spectrum. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage described Widdecombe as “an absolute force of nature” who played a “decisive role in getting Brexit over the line.” Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said she was “stunned” by the “nasty and horrific attack,” adding: “We have both lost a friend.” Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer urged people to “rise above any political differences” and focus on catching the killer, calling Widdecombe a “distinguished politician” with “many achievements.”
Jeremy Vine, who had Widdecombe as a guest on his show more than 100 times, wrote on Instagram: “The news that Ann died in an act of violence is almost impossible to take in.” Anton Du Beke, her Strictly Come Dancing partner, said: “She became a real friend. She was fun, she was upbeat, she was positive.”
One neighbour, Christine Maloney, said the area was “very safe” and it was not unusual for people to leave doors unlocked. “Everyone knows that’s her house, perhaps that’s the problem?” she said.
With the arrested man released, detectives remain “open-minded” and continue to search for a white male suspect. The investigation, as ACC Longman put it, is “moving at a significant pace.”
