Ann Widdecombe's personal driver has said the former Tory MP 'never mentioned any fear' for her safety before her death. Peter Horrell paid tribute to the former prisons minister, describing her as a 'great lady' who was 'very comical' and 'down to earth'.
Driver's Tribute and Shock
Mr Horrell spoke to journalists after placing flowers in front of the 78-year-old's home in Haytor, on Dartmoor, Devon, where she was found dead on Thursday, July 9. He had worked for Ms Widdecombe for 10 years. 'When I saw it yesterday, I thought she had had a heart attack or a stroke or something. Of course, then later it turned out it was a suspected murder. [I was] just shocked, absolute shock,' he said.
Mr Horrell said he spoke to Widdecombe's personal assistant after, who 'didn't know at that time what had happened'. The driver said it was 'very sad', adding: 'I just couldn't believe it.' He said he last worked with her when he drove her to Yeovil, in Somerset. She 'always looked after me' and 'made sure I had something to eat', he said.
No Safety Concerns Expressed
Asked whether she had ever expressed any concern for her safety, Mr Horrell said: 'Not really, she seemed quite happy living up here by herself. You never expect it, do you? Well I certainly didn't. You know, very sad.' Mr Horrell said Widdecombe 'loved' living in the area, adding: 'She loved walking up on the moors and, as you know, she got a swimming pool at the back. So if she come back late or late-ish she'd always have the brandy and go for a swim.'
Tribute to a 'Great Lady'
He added: 'She was a great lady, very kind. You know, she was absolutely a privilege to take in the car, and she was funny at times. I liked her because if you asked her a question, you'd get a direct answer. There was no mucking about. She was brilliant, absolutely brilliant. I thought she was a great politician. She was very strong in her views. I don't think you'd be able to replace that sort of person, not really. Could be a little bit outspoken at times, but that was Ann.'
Police Investigation
On Saturday, July 11, police said they believe Widdecombe was attacked in her home almost 24 hours before her body was discovered. She was found dead at about 11.40am on Thursday after sustaining serious injuries. Detectives are hunting for a white male suspect. Devon and Cornwall Police said they believe Widdecombe was attacked at about 12.30pm on Wednesday, July 8. A 26-year-old white British man was arrested at an address in Newton Abbot on suspicion of murder on Friday, July 10, but was released from custody on Saturday and is no longer part of the investigation.
