Anton du Beke 'devastated' over Ann Widdecombe death as politicians react
BBC News 2026-07-10 19:30:38
Context: Ann Widdecombe, a 78-year-old former Conservative minister and Reform UK spokeswoman, was found with serious injuries at her Devon home on Thursday morning, and police have launched a murder investigation. A 26-year-old white British man has been arrested on suspicion of murder. Widdecombe's death has sparked an outpouring of tributes from politicians and celebrities, including her former Strictly Come Dancing partner Anton du Beke.
Key Facts
- Ann Widdecombe was found with serious injuries at her Devon home on Thursday morning, prompting police to launch a murder investigation.
- A 26-year-old white British man has been arrested on suspicion of murder, and police have stated that the case is not being treated as a terrorist incident with no information on a political motivation.
- Anton du Beke, Widdecombe's partner on Strictly Come Dancing in 2010, expressed his devastation over her death, describing her as "fun, upbeat, positive, supportive, and game".
- Widdecombe served as shadow home secretary from 1999 to 2001 under the Conservative Party, and later became a spokeswoman for Reform UK, with leaders from both parties, including Kemi Badenoch and Nigel Farage, paying tribute to her.
- The Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey, Labour's Andy Burnham, and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer also reacted to Widdecombe's death, describing her as a "distinguished politician" and a "woman of deep faith who devoted her life to public service".