New arrest over murder of former MP Ann Widdecombe

Police have arrested a 28-year-old man on suspicion of murdering former Conservative minister and Reform UK politician Ann Widdecombe following a major investigation into her death at her Devon home.

The suspect, described by police as a white British man, was arrested at an address in South Yorkshire on Saturday evening and remains in custody as detectives continue their inquiries.

Arrest follows nationwide investigation

Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed the arrest was carried out with assistance from Counter Terrorism Policing North East and South Yorkshire Police.

Despite the involvement of specialist officers, detectives stressed there is no evidence to suggest the case is terrorism-related, and Devon and Cornwall Police remain in charge of the investigation.

Earlier this week, officers revealed they believe Widdecombe may have been fatally attacked at around 12.30pm on Wednesday, with her body not discovered until almost 24 hours later when ambulance crews attended her bungalow in Haytor, Devon, at around 11.40am on Thursday.

Earlier suspect released

A 26-year-old man arrested on Friday in Newton Abbot was released without charge on Saturday and has been eliminated from the investigation.

Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman said detectives were making rapid progress but urged the public not to speculate while officers continue gathering evidence.

Police have deliberately withheld descriptions of potential suspects and any CCTV footage, warning that releasing operational details too early could compromise the investigation and future legal proceedings.

Appeal for information

Investigators continue to appeal for witnesses or anyone with information, photographs or video footage that could assist the inquiry.

Police have also repeated that there is currently no indication the killing was politically motivated or that there is any wider threat to the public.

A major incident portal has been established to allow members of the public to submit information directly to detectives.

Final hours pieced together

Detectives have been reconstructing Widdecombe's final movements with the assistance of television producers.

The former MP is understood to have appeared on TalkTV on Wednesday morning, where she discussed politics and praised Nigel Farage's decision to trigger a by-election in Clacton.

She later exchanged messages with staff from a Channel 5 programme ahead of a scheduled lunchtime interview. Her final reported message was sent shortly before midday, and when she failed to join the programme or respond to calls, producers became concerned because the silence was described as completely out of character.

Tributes continue

Friends, neighbours and former colleagues have continued paying tribute to Widdecombe, remembering her as humorous, kind and deeply committed to public service despite her often outspoken political views.

A former Conservative Cabinet minister who later became a leading figure in Reform UK, Widdecombe represented Maidstone in Parliament for 23 years before retiring from the House of Commons in 2010.

She later served as a Member of the European Parliament for the Brexit Party before joining Reform UK and becoming one of the party's most recognisable political voices.

The investigation remains ongoing, and police have urged anyone with information to come forward while asking the public to avoid speculation that could hinder the inquiry.

SOURCE