‘Nothing to suggest’ Ann Widdecombe death politically motivated, say police

Police have said there is nothing to suggest the death of Ann Widdecombe was politically motivated.

Speaking at a press conference on Sunday morning, the assistant chief constable of Devon and Cornwall police, Matt Longman, said detectives were open-minded about the motive for the killing, but stressed there was no evidence to suggest it had been politically motivated. He also said it was not being treated as terrorism.

A white British man, 28, was arrested at an address in Rotherham, South Yorkshire on Saturday and remains in custody on suspicion of murder. The force said officers were not looking for anyone else in connection with the investigation.

The former Conservative minister and later Reform UK spokesperson was found dead at her home in Haytor in Devon on Thursday having sustained serious injuries. Police said she may have been dead for more than 24 hours before her body was discovered.

Longman said there was no intelligence to suggest any wider threat to the public and confirmed officers had received more than 120 tips of information from the public since the investigation began.

“We are aware of online and public speculation, particularly with regards to motive. Again, I urge people not to share or engage with that speculation. It’s unhelpful,” he said. “It doesn’t aid our investigation, and particularly, it’s distressing to the family and friends of Ms Widdecombe.

“We were supported by officers from counter-terrorism police north-east and South Yorkshire police, who carried out the arrest on behalf of Devon and Cornwall.

“Ms Widdecombe’s family have been informed of the updates and continue to be supported by our specialist officers. Our thoughts remain with her family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.

“At this point there is still no information to suggest that this is a terrorism-related incident. And at this point, we are not looking for anyone else in connection with this murder.”

Widdecombe, 78, made her last television appearance on TalkTV shortly after 8am on Wednesday. ITV News reported that she had then spoken to a researcher from Channel 5’s Matt Allwright show before an interview scheduled for 1pm.

Widdecombe’s last message to the staff member is reported to have been sent at 12.19pm. At 12.48pm, the researcher contacted Widdecombe to request that she join a Zoom link for the show but received no response.

The police statement suggesting there was no political motivation follows an intervention from Nigel Farage, the Reform UK leader, who travelled to Widdecombe’s address when news of her death broke.

Speaking to journalists on Saturday, he said: “From what I can see of it, from what I make out, this was premeditated murder. Whether it was politically motivated, whether it was someone with a grudge … I don’t think it pays at this time to speculate.”

Chief constable James Vaughan of Devon and Cornwall police said on Sunday that the force’s operation has been moving at a “lightning pace” over the previous 48 hours. “I am really pleased that we have a suspect firmly in custody,” he said.