Murder investigation launched into death of UK politician Ann Widdecombe
A murder investigation has been launched into the death of British politician and television personality Ann Widdecombe after she was found dead at her home in Devon on July 9th.
The body of the 78-year-old was reportedly found with “serious injuries” by the UK ambulance service on Thursday morning. She has lived alone at her house for 16 years.
Detectives from the Force Major Crime Investigation Team have launched a murder investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death, and have since announced that the suspect is a “white male”.
Detective Chief Inspector Ilona Rosson, from the Devon and Cornwall Police, added, “This is an extremely tragic incident and our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of Ann Widdecombe at this difficult time.”
The murder inquiry is “moving at a significant pace” as detectives “deploy all of the necessary resources to find out exactly what has happened.”
The police are also asking British citizens for their help with the murder enquiry: “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.”
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood added that “the circumstances of her death are extremely distressing”.
Widdecombe became a pop culture figure in the UK after appearing on beloved television programmes such as Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother.
However, the late politician was often under fire for her right-wing views. During her time in parliament, Widdecombe, who was a devout Christian, opposed same-sex marriage equality and once complained of feeling “alienated by gay marriage”. She also opposed the legality of abortion.
Additionally, Widdecombe supported the Vote Leave campaign during the 2016 Brexit referendum. From there, she served as an MEP representing South West England in Brussels between 2019 and 2020 before joining Nigel Farage’s Reform UK in 2023.
This is a developing story.