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Published 15:12 10 Jul 2026 GMT
Police launch murder investigation into Ann Widdecombe's death
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Police have launched a murder investigation following the death of former Conservative MP and Reform UK member Ann Widdecombe, who was found with serious injuries at her home on Dartmoor in Devon.
Emergency services attended an address in Haytor Vale at 11:40AM on Thursday after the ambulance service discovered the 78-year-old's body, per BBC News.
Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed detectives from the Force Major Crime Investigation Team are leading a murder investigation and are searching for a white male in connection with her death.
Widdecombe's next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers. Roads surrounding the property have been closed while forensic examinations continue, with officers also carrying out house-to-house inquiries and reviewing surveillance footage, doorbell, and dashcam footage.
Police appeal for information
Detective Chief Inspector Ilona Rosson said: “This is an extremely tragic incident and our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of Ann Widdecombe at this difficult time.
“Our murder inquiry is in its early stages but moving at a significant pace. We are deploying all of the necessary resources to find out exactly what has happened and to locate the person responsible, who we believe to be a white male.
“I would appeal to anyone who may have information about this incident, however insignificant it may seem, to come forward and speak with us.
“We are particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have seen anything suspicious in the vicinity of Haytor Vale, Haytor, or anyone with CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage which could assist with our investigation.”
Rosson added: “We will release further information when we are able to do so. In the meantime I would ask people not to speculate about what might have happened, particularly on social media. This is not only potentially harmful to our investigation but also deeply distressing for family and friends of Ann Widdecombe.”
Police said there will continue to be a significant presence in the area while the investigation progresses, adding that residents with concerns can speak directly to officers at the scene.
Tributes paid as investigation continues
Widdecombe appeared on Talk radio on Wednesday and had lived in Haytor Vale, a village within Dartmoor National Park. She served as a Conservative MP for Maidstone from 1987 until 2010, later representing Maidstone and the Weald. She joined the Brexit Party in 2019, served as a Member of the European Parliament for South West England between 2019 and 2020, and later became a member of Reform UK.
Her representatives at Cloud9 Management paid tribute following news of her death, describing her political career as being driven by “strong Christian values and commitment to public service.”
The statement said: “She loved the cut and thrust of political debate and, 16 years after leaving parliament, was still actively campaigning for Reform UK and offering forthright views on the hot topics of the day across numerous radio and television programmes.
“Ann was a valued patron of many causes, particularly her animal charities. As Ann once said on The Graham Norton Show: ‘We get one go this side of eternity, one go. Life is not a dress rehearsal, you take opportunities that you like and you go for it, that’s my philosophy.”
After police confirmed they were treating the case as murder, the management company released a further statement, saying: “We are absolutely devastated by this news following a very traumatic and upsetting 24 hours.”
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood also urged the public not to speculate while detectives continue their investigation. She said: “I am deeply saddened to hear of the death of Ann Widdecombe. The circumstances of her death are extremely distressing and my thoughts are with Ann’s family and loved ones.
“Ann’s dedication to public service was decades long, and she was a true servant of her constituents.
“I have spoken to the Chief Constable of Devon and Cornwall police today. The Home Office stands ready to provide whatever support they need with their ongoing investigation. I urge everyone to avoid speculation and allow the police investigation to progress.”