Ann Widdecombe, a 78-year-old former Conservative minister and Reform UK member, was found dead at her home in rural southwest England on Thursday, having sustained serious injuries. British police launched a murder investigation and arrested a 26-year-old White British man in Newton Abbot, a town less than 15 kilometres from Widdecombe's residence.

Devon and Cornwall Police assistant chief constable Matt Longman stated there is no information suggesting the murder was politically motivated or related to terrorism. Forensic examinations at the property are ongoing.

Widdecombe served as a Conservative MP from 1987 to 2010 and held junior ministerial roles in John Major's government. She was known for her socially conservative views and later acted as an immigration and justice spokesperson for Nigel Farage's Reform UK party. After leaving parliament, she appeared on the TV talent show "Strictly Come Dancing" in 2010.

British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer expressed shock over the circumstances of her death and paid tribute to her dedication during many years of public service. Figures across the political spectrum acknowledged her role as a Brexit campaigner and described her as "a heroic Brexiteer and a great speaker who could move Tory audiences to such ecstasy that she was a very hard act to follow."

The case recalls the 2016 murder of Labour lawmaker Jo Cox, who was killed by a far-right extremist during the Brexit campaign.

Sources