British police have arrested a 26-year-old man on suspicion of murdering former government minister and Reform UK politician Ann Widdecombe after she was found dead at her home in southwest England. The 78-year-old was discovered with what police described as "serious injuries" after officers were called to her property shortly after midday on Thursday. Get today's headlines by email Former minister found dead at her homeThe suspect, a white British man, was arrested on Friday in Newton Abbot, around 9 miles (15km) from Widdecombe's home. He remains in police custody while the investigation continues. Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman of Devon and Cornwall Police said there was no evidence to suggest the killing was linked to terrorism or politically motivated. Forensic examinations at Widdecombe's home are ongoing. Tributes paid across politicsPrime Minister Keir Starmer praised Widdecombe's years of public service, paying tribute to her long political career. Messages of condolence also came from former colleagues in both the Conservative Party and Reform UK following news of her death. Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson described her on X as "a heroic Brexiteer and a great speaker," saying she could inspire Conservative audiences and was "a very hard act to follow." Widdecombe became a prominent figure in British politics through her socially conservative views. She served as a junior minister in John Major's Conservative government between 1992 and 1997 before later becoming Reform UK's immigration and justice spokesperson under Nigel Farage. Long political careerShe was an outspoken opponent of abortion and opposed equalising the age of consent for homosexual and heterosexual relationships. During her time in government, she also defended the practice of shackling pregnant prisoners during childbirth to prevent escapes. A Catholic convert who never married and described herself as a virgin, Widdecombe frequently spoke in support of traditional family values. Following her departure from Parliament, she gained a new audience by appearing on the BBC dance competition Strictly Come Dancing in 2010. Although judges criticised her performances, viewers kept her in the competition for several weeks. She later joined Nigel Farage's Brexit Party and served as a Member of the European Parliament from 2019 to 2020. Most recently, she was Reform UK's immigration spokesperson as the party rose in national opinion polls. Attacks on British politiciansThe investigation comes after two serving British MPs were murdered in the past decade. Labour MP Jo Cox was shot and stabbed by a far-right extremist during the 2016 Brexit referendum campaign. In 2021, Conservative MP David Amess was fatally stabbed by a man inspired by the Islamic State militant group. Police have said there is currently no indication that Widdecombe's killing was connected to her political activities. Join the discussion? 11 July 2026
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