British police on Friday arrested a 26-year-old man on suspicion of the murder of Ann Widdecombe, a 78-year-old former government minister found dead at her home in south-west England. Devon and Cornwall Police said the suspect was arrested in Newton Abbot, Devon, and remains in custody. The force stated that the incident “is not being treated as terrorism” or politically motivated.
Details of the Incident
Police were called to Widdecombe’s address around midday on Thursday, where she was found to have died with serious injuries. Forensic examinations are continuing at the property. Widdecombe was a Conservative member of parliament between 1987 and 2010 and held several junior ministerial positions under former Prime Minister John Major.
Reactions from Officials
Interior Minister Shabana Mahmood expressed deep sadness on social media platform X, describing the circumstances of the death as “extremely distressing.” Two serving British MPs have been murdered in the last decade: Labour MP Jo Cox, who was shot and stabbed by a Nazi-obsessed loner during the 2016 Brexit campaign, and Conservative MP David Amess, who was stabbed to death in 2021 by a man inspired by the Islamic State militant group.
Widdecombe’s Political Career and Views
Throughout her political career, Widdecombe was known for her socially conservative views, including opposition to abortion and equalising the age of consent for homosexual and heterosexual relationships. She also defended a policy of shackling pregnant prisoners during childbirth to prevent their escape. Although unmarried and a self-proclaimed virgin, the Catholic convert praised family values.
Life After Parliament
After leaving parliament, Widdecombe appeared on the TV talent show “Strictly Come Dancing” in 2010. Despite her awkward dancing style and criticism from judges, she was popular with viewers. She later joined Nigel Farage’s Brexit Party and served as a member of the European Parliament between 2019 and 2020. Her most recent role was as immigration spokesperson for Reform UK, the rebranded Brexit Party, which leads in most opinion polls.
Tributes from Colleagues
Following the announcement of her death, former colleagues from both the Conservative and Reform UK parties paid tribute. Former Conservative Prime Minister Boris Johnson described her on X as “a heroic Brexiteer and a great speaker who could move Tory audiences to such ecstasy that she was a very hard act to follow.”
