A 28-year-old white British man is being questioned in connection with the murder of former Conservative minister Ann Widdecombe, after police arrested him in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, on Saturday evening. Devon and Cornwall Police said they are not looking for anyone else and that there is “nothing to suggest it was politically motivated”, rejecting speculation that has swirled since the 78-year-old was found dead at her home in Haytor, Devon, on Thursday.
The arrest was carried out shortly after 9pm by officers from Counter Terrorism Police North East and South Yorkshire Police. Neighbours described a heavy police presence. Raed Astle told the BBC: “I was making food and looked out the window – there was loads of banging, and armed police on the pathway. They went into the house and pulled him out.” Another neighbour, Claire Whybrow, said: “We’ve never seen so many police.”
“Police rule out political motive in Ann Widdecombe murder after arresting 28-year-old man in Rotherham.”
Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman said the force remains “open-minded” about a motive but stressed there is no evidence the attack was terrorism-related. “There is no information to suggest this is a terrorism related incident,” he told reporters, adding that speculation about a political motive is “unhelpful” and “distressing” to Widdecombe’s family.
Widdecombe, who served as an MP from 1987, later became an MEP for the Brexit Party and a Reform UK spokesperson. She was also known for appearing on Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother. Her driver of ten years, Peter Horrell, laid flowers at her home on Saturday and said she “never mentioned any fear” for her safety and loved living in Haytor. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage visited the village to pay his respects; the party has since placed its MPs under round-the-clock security.
Police believe Widdecombe was assaulted on Wednesday, July 8, at around 12.30pm – a day before her body was discovered. WhatsApp messages published by ITV News show she stopped responding to a TV producer after 12.19pm that day. Her final message read: “Received! Panic Over!” CCTV footage, reported by several newspapers, appears to show a man placing a “wooden stick” into the passenger side of a red car before driving off. A neighbour confirmed police took a red car from the drive in Rotherham.
Devon and Cornwall Police have received more than 120 reports from the public. Longman urged anyone with information to come forward “as a priority”. The arrested man remains in custody. The family are being supported by specialist officers. With the investigation ongoing, the question of what triggered the attack – now more than 270 miles from Widdecombe’s home – remains unanswered. Longman reiterated: “Please don’t speculate.”
