Police in the United Kingdom have arrested a 28-year-old man in South Yorkshire on suspicion of the murder of former Conservative minister and Reform UK spokesperson Ann Widdecombe.
“The suspect, who is a white British national, is now in police custody,” a statement from Devon and Cornwall Police says.
Widdecombe, 78, was found dead with serious injuries at her home in Haytor, Devon, at about 11:40 BST on Thursday. Investigators believe she was attacked nearly 24 hours before her body was discovered.
The latest suspect was arrested at an address in South Yorkshire, about 270 miles (430km) from Widdecombe’s home in Devon.
Earlier, detectives had arrested a 26-year-old man in Newton Abbot, around 11 miles (18km) away, on suspicion of murder. However, he was released on Saturday after police concluded he was “no longer part of the investigation.”
Providing an update on the investigation, Devon and Cornwall Police said, “We were supported by Counter Terrorism Policing North East and South Yorkshire Police who carried out the arrest on behalf of Devon & Cornwall Police.
“At this time, there is still no information to suggest that this is a terrorism related incident and as a force we retain primacy of the investigation.”
The force added, “This is a live and active investigation, and no further information will be issued tonight.”
Police confirmed that Widdecombe’s family had been informed of the latest development.
A heavy police presence remained around her property throughout the weekend, with forensic teams continuing to examine the scene.
Several mourners, including Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, laid flowers near Widdecombe’s home on the edge of Dartmoor National Park.
Farage described the late politician as a “remarkable individual” and “the fiercest defender of free speech.”
Her long-time driver, Peter Horrall, also paid tribute after laying flowers at the scene on Saturday.
“She was a great lady, very kind,” he said, adding that “if you asked her a question, you’d get an answer – no mucking about”.
Tributes also poured in from across the political divide, with outgoing Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch expressing sadness over her death and honouring her years of public service.
Widdecombe’s management team announced her death on Friday.
Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman had earlier disclosed that counter-terrorism officers initially assisted with the inquiry but later ruled out terrorism after finding no evidence to suggest the killing was “politically motivated crime”.
On Saturday, Longman said investigators would not yet release suspect descriptions or CCTV footage.
“Releasing such information prematurely could compromise ongoing enquiries and may prejudice future investigative opportunities,” he said.
Widdecombe served as Conservative MP for Maidstone in Kent from 1987 until 2010 and held ministerial roles in the employment, prisons and Home Office departments during John Major’s government between 1994 and 1997.
Following the Conservatives’ election defeat in 1997, she went on to serve in several senior opposition positions, including shadow health secretary and shadow home secretary.
After leaving Parliament, she competed on the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing in 2010 and finished as runner-up on Celebrity Big Brother in 2018.
She later joined the Brexit Party in 2019, representing South West England as a Member of the European Parliament until 2020, before becoming Reform UK’s Immigration and Justice spokesperson in 2023.
