A 28-year-old white British national has been arrested in South Yorkshire on suspicion of murdering Ann Widdecombe, police have confirmed. The arrest came just after 7pm on Saturday, approximately 270 miles from the former Tory minister’s home in Haytor, Devon, where she was found dead with serious injuries at 11.40am on Thursday.
Devon and Cornwall Police said the suspect was taken into custody with the support of Counter Terrorism Policing North East and South Yorkshire Police, but stressed there was “still no information to suggest that this is a terrorism related incident”. The force retains primacy of the investigation. Widdecombe’s family have been informed.
“28-year-old man arrested in South Yorkshire on suspicion of murdering Ann Widdecombe; police say no terrorism link.”
The development follows the release without charge of a 26-year-old man arrested on Friday in Newton Abbot, 11 miles from the scene. Police now believe the attack occurred around 12.30pm on Wednesday, nearly 24 hours before her body was discovered. Widdecombe had been due to appear on Channel 5’s Matt Allwright show that afternoon. ITV News published WhatsApp messages showing she sent a final “Received! Panic Over!!” at 12.19pm in response to a Zoom link. A producer’s message asking her to join at 12.48pm went unread, and voice calls after 1pm were missed.
Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman said inquiries were “moving at pace” and appealed for anyone with information to come forward. Earlier, counter-terrorism officers had been involved but ruled out terrorism. A significant police presence remained at the Dartmoor property over the weekend, with forensic officers visible and floral tributes left by the public.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who laid flowers near the home, called Widdecombe a “remarkable individual” and “the fiercest defender of free speech”. Her long-time driver Peter Horrall said he “just couldn’t believe” what had happened, describing her as “a great lady, very kind”. Politicians from across the spectrum, including outgoing Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, expressed shock. Shadow chancellor Mel Stride, her former local MP, recalled her “true conviction” and “great sense of humour”.
Police said they would provide no further information on Saturday night, adding that releasing CCTV footage or suspect descriptions prematurely could “prejudice future investigative opportunities”. The investigation remains active, with search teams seen scouring hedgerows near the property on Sunday. The question of what motivated the attack – and whether the arrested man is connected to Widdecombe – is yet to be answered.