Former British cabinet minister and Reform UK spokesperson, Ann Widdecombe, has died at the age of 78 after she was found with serious injuries at her home in Haytor, Dartmoor, prompting police to open a murder investigation.
Devon and Cornwall Police said officers responded to the property on July 9 after receiving a call from the ambulance service at about 11:40 a.m. BST. Widdecombe was discovered dead inside her rural Devon residence.
In a statement released on Friday, the police said the former Conservative MP had sustained significant injuries and described the circumstances surrounding her death as suspicious.
Detectives attached to the Force Major Crime Investigation Team have since launched a murder inquiry and are searching for a white male believed to be linked to the incident.
Detective Chief Inspector Ilona Rosson said investigators were making swift progress and had committed extensive resources to uncovering what happened.
“Our murder enquiry 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,” Rosson said.
She appealed to members of the public to assist the investigation by providing any information that could prove useful, particularly anyone who observed suspicious activity in the Haytor Vale area or possesses CCTV, doorbell camera or dashcam footage.
Rosson also urged the public to refrain from speculation, warning that circulating unverified information could undermine the investigation and cause additional distress to Widdecombe’s family.
A strong police presence remains at the property as forensic specialists continue examining the scene.
Before police confirmed the murder investigation, Widdecombe’s management had announced her death without revealing the circumstances. Following the latest development, the management company described the situation as “absolutely devastating” after what it called “a very traumatic and upsetting 24 hours.”
The company added that the family was fully cooperating with detectives and appealed for privacy while encouraging anyone with relevant information to contact the police.
