Ann Widdecombe murder probe: what we know so far
BBC News 2026-07-10 15:50:14
Context: Ann Widdecombe, a 78-year-old former Conservative minister and Reform UK spokeswoman, was found dead at her home in Haytor, a village on Dartmoor in Devon, on Thursday morning with serious injuries. The police have launched a murder investigation and a manhunt is underway for a white male suspect. The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, with police appealing for anyone with information to come forward.
Key Facts
- Ann Widdecombe was found dead with serious injuries at her home in Haytor, a village on Dartmoor, Devon, on Thursday morning when officers were called by the ambulance service.
- The police have launched a murder investigation and are looking for a white male suspect in connection with the case, which they say is "moving at a significant pace".
- Widdecombe had a long and distinguished political career, serving as MP for Maidstone in Kent for 23 years and working as a Home Office and employment minister in John Major's government between 1994 to 1997.
- After leaving Parliament, Widdecombe embarked on a showbiz career, appearing on Strictly Come Dancing in 2010 and Celebrity Big Brother in 2018, and was also an MEP for the Brexit Party, representing South West England in the European Parliament between 2019-2020.
- The police are appealing for anyone who may have seen anything suspicious in the vicinity of Haytor Vale, Haytor, or anyone with CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage which could assist with their investigation to come forward.