Police have launched a murder investigation following the death of former Conservative minister and Brexit Party MEP Ann Widdecombe, who was discovered dead at her home in Haytor, near Newton Abbot in Devon, on Thursday 10 July 2026, at the age of 78, after sustaining serious injuries in what has been described as a “nasty, horrific attack”.
Murder Investigation Underway
Detectives from Devon and Cornwall Police are now probing the circumstances surrounding her death and have launched a hunt for a “clearly dangerous” white male suspect. Officers were called to an address in Haytor at 11:40 am on Thursday and found Ms Widdecombe dead with serious injuries. Detective Chief Inspector Ilona Rosson said: “This is an extremely tragic incident and our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of Ann Widdecombe at this difficult time. Our murder inquiry 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.”
Prime Minister Calls for Public Help
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, speaking to reporters at Chequers, urged the public to help catch the suspect, emphasising the need to “rise above any political differences” and focus on the investigation. He said: “I think this is really important that this is a moment where we rise above any political differences, the political divide, and say the single most important thing at the moment is that all of us and the public help the police identify the individual suspected and make sure he’s arrested as quickly as possible. He’s clearly dangerous, and I implore everybody who’s got any information in relation to him to help the police with their inquiries, get him into police custody.” The Prime Minister added that he had spoken to his expected successor Andy Burnham, Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, and Reform UK’s Nigel Farage about the case.
Tributes from Political Leaders
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch paid tribute, saying: “Ann Widdecombe was a very fun and feisty woman who spoke her mind and she was 78-years-old, she was an elderly woman. I don’t understand how someone could do something so horrific to an elderly person. It was a nasty, horrific attack and my heart is breaking for her family.” Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood urged the public not to speculate, describing the circumstances as “extremely distressing”. In a post on X, she said: “I am deeply saddened to hear of the death of Ann Widdecombe. The circumstances of her death are extremely distressing and my thoughts are with Ann’s family and loved ones. Ann’s dedication to public service was decades long, and she was a true servant of her constituents. I have spoken to the Chief Constable of Devon and Cornwall police today. The Home Office stands ready to provide whatever support they need with their ongoing investigation. I urge everyone to avoid speculation and allow the police investigation to progress.”
Management and Agent Statements
Ms Widdecombe’s management firm Cloud 9 urged people with information to contact the police and said: “We are absolutely devastated by this news following a very traumatic and upsetting 24 hours.” Her agent confirmed the news, stating: “It is with great sadness that today we announce the death of the Rt Hon Ann Widdecombe, DSG. We send our deepest condolences to Ann's family and friends. We ask that the family's wish not to be contacted at this sad time is respected.”
Background of Ann Widdecombe
Ms Widdecombe, a longstanding Tory who switched her allegiance to the Brexit Party in 2019 before moving to Reform UK, had been living alone in Haytor since stepping down as MP for Maidstone and The Weald in 2010. She also found fame outside politics after starring in Strictly Come Dancing. She had appeared on Talk radio on Wednesday, the day before her death.
