Police launch murder inquiry after death of Ann Widdecombe

Police have launched a murder investigation into the death of former MP and minister Ann Widdecombe.

The ex-Tory prisons minister, who was 78, later became a Brexit Party MEP and subsequently a Reform UK spokeswoman.

File photo dated 31/01/20 of Ann Widdecombe, Member of the European Parliament (MEP) for South West England, at the European Parliament in Brussels, Belgium, ahead of the UK leaving the European Union at 11pm on Friday. Ann Widdecombe, the former MP and MEP who also featured on Strictly Come Dancing, has died aged 78, her representative has said. Issue date: Friday July 10, 2026.

placeholder image — File photo dated 31/01/20 of Ann Widdecombe, Member of the European Parliament (MEP) for South West England, at the European Parliament in Brussels, Belgium, ahead of the UK leaving the European Union at 11pm on Friday. Ann Widdecombe, the former MP and MEP who also featured on Strictly Come Dancing, has died aged 78, her representative has said. Issue date: Friday July 10, 2026.

She also found fame outside politics after starring in Strictly Come Dancing.

A manhunt has been launched for a white male believed to be responsible, police said.

File photo dated 01/12/10 of Strictly Come Dancing contestant Ann Widdecombe with donkey Dove, during a photocall to launch the Christmas campaign for her favourite charity Safe Haven for Donkeys in the Holy Land, outside Deborah Bond Dance School in Newton Abbott, Devon. Ann Widdecombe, the former MP and MEP who also featured on Strictly Come Dancing, has died aged 78, her representative has said. Issue date: Friday July 10, 2026.

Ms Widdecombe, who appeared on Talk radio on Wednesday, lived in Haytor, near Newton Abbott in Devon.

Devon and Cornwall Police said officers were called to an address in Haytor at 11.40am on Thursday and found Miss Widdecombe dead, having sustained 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.”

The Home Secretary urged the public not to speculate, describing the circumstances as “extremely distressing”.

In a post on X, Shabana Mahmood 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.”

Miss 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.”