Devon and Cornwall Police have released a 26-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murdering former British government minister Ann Widdecombe, stating he is no longer a suspect in the case. The announcement came on Saturday, July 11, 2026, a day after the man, described as a white British national, was taken into custody in Newton Abbot, approximately 9 miles (15 km) from Widdecombe's home in Haytor, rural southwest England.
Investigation Continues as Police Rule Out Terrorism
Police have emphasized that there is no evidence to suggest the murder of the 78-year-old was linked to terrorism or driven by a political motive. Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman of Devon and Cornwall Police stated: “Our priority remains identifying those responsible and ensuring that all available evidence is thoroughly examined.” He added that the inquiry is in its early stages but “moving at a significant pace.”
Emergency services were called to Widdecombe's residence on Thursday, where she was found dead after suffering serious injuries. The exact cause of death has not been disclosed, but authorities are treating the case as a murder investigation.
Ann Widdecombe: A Controversial Political Figure
Ann Widdecombe was a prominent figure in British politics, known for her staunchly socially conservative views. She served as a junior minister under Conservative Prime Minister John Major from 1992 to 1997 and later became an immigration and justice spokesperson for Nigel Farage's populist Reform UK party.
Widdecombe was a devout Catholic, having converted partly in protest against the Church of England's ordination of women as priests. She opposed abortion and equalizing the age of consent for homosexual and heterosexual relationships. She also defended the controversial policy of shackling pregnant prisoners during childbirth and viewed single mothers as poor role models. However, she broke with many Conservatives by opposing fox hunting with hounds.
Tributes from Across the Political Spectrum
News of Widdecombe's death on Friday prompted tributes from leaders across the political divide. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage both expressed their condolences. Farage described her as “an extraordinary woman” in a video posted on his X account, saying: “She stood up and fought for what she believed in – a devout Christian and somebody with strong, socially conservative views.”
The murder has drawn comparisons to the killings of two British MPs in the past decade: Labour MP Jo Cox, who was shot and stabbed in 2016 by a Nazi-obsessed loner during the Brexit campaign, and Conservative MP David Amess, who was stabbed to death in 2021 by a man inspired by the militant group Daesh. Police have not indicated any link between Widdecombe's murder and these previous attacks.
Police Appeal for Information
Devon and Cornwall Police are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward. The investigation remains active, with officers continuing to examine evidence and conduct searches in the Haytor area. The release of the arrested man suggests that police are pursuing other lines of inquiry.
Widdecombe's death has shocked the local community and the nation, with many remembering her as a passionate and principled politician, albeit one whose views often sparked debate. As the investigation unfolds, authorities are determined to bring those responsible to justice.
