Police have launched a murder investigation into the death of veteran British politician and broadcaster Ann Widdecombe after she was discovered with a serious head injury at her home in Haytor, Dartmoor, Devon.
According to Devon and Cornwall Police, emergency services were called to the property at approximately 11:40 a.m. after ambulance crews requested police assistance.
Officers arrived to find the 78-year-old suffering from severe injuries, and she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Death Initially Announced Without Suspicious Circumstances
News of Widdecombe’s death was first made public by her representatives earlier in the day, with the announcement giving no indication that her passing was anything other than from natural causes.
However, police later confirmed that investigators are now treating the case as murder following initial inquiries at the property.
Detectives believe a white male may be responsible and have launched an extensive search to identify and locate the suspect.
Detectives Appeal for Witnesses and Video Evidence
Detective Chief Inspector Ilona Rosson said the investigation is progressing rapidly, with specialist officers dedicating significant resources to establishing exactly what happened.
Police are urging anyone who witnessed suspicious activity in or around Haytor Vale or the wider Haytor area to come forward.
Investigators are also requesting CCTV, doorbell camera and dashcam footage that could assist the inquiry.
The force has placed a cordon around Widdecombe’s residence while forensic experts carry out a detailed examination of the scene.
Carer Believed to Have Raised the Alarm
Officers have spoken to a carer employed by Widdecombe, who is believed to have discovered her body before emergency services were contacted.
Investigators have not disclosed further details regarding the circumstances leading up to her death, as inquiries continue.
Government Calls for Patience During Investigation
UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood described the circumstances surrounding Widdecombe’s death as deeply distressing and appealed for restraint while detectives carry out their work.
In a public statement, Mahmood said her thoughts were with Widdecombe’s family and loved ones, praising her decades of public service.
She confirmed she had spoken with the Chief Constable of Devon and Cornwall Police and said the Home Office was prepared to provide any support required during the investigation.
She also urged the public to avoid speculation until police establish the full facts.
A Political Career Spanning Decades
Widdecombe was one of Britain’s most recognisable political figures, serving for many years as a Conservative MP and later as a prisons minister.
She became known for her uncompromising political style and outspoken positions on a range of social and political issues.
A convert to Catholicism, she frequently expressed conservative views on abortion, same-sex marriage and drug policy.
In later years, she became a prominent supporter of Brexit, criticised net zero climate policies, and questioned aspects of mainstream climate science.
In 2023, she joined Reform UK and became a vocal supporter of Nigel Farage, appearing in media interviews backing the party leader only days before her death.
Television Career Expanded Her Public Profile
Beyond politics, Widdecombe became familiar to a broader audience through television appearances, including competing on Strictly Come Dancing and later appearing on Celebrity Big Brother.
Her distinctive personality and candid opinions made her a regular contributor to political and current affairs programmes long after leaving frontline politics.
Agency Expresses Shock After Investigation Announced
Her management company, Cloud 9 Management, initially confirmed her death with a statement expressing condolences to her family and friends.
Following the police announcement that the case was being treated as murder, the agency released a second statement saying it was devastated by the latest developments after what it described as an extremely traumatic and upsetting 24 hours.
Political Leaders Pay Tribute
Tributes have poured in from across Britain’s political spectrum following news of Widdecombe’s death.
Farage described her as “an absolute force of nature,” recalling her fierce independence and unwavering loyalty.
He said she never left anyone uncertain about her views and credited her decision to support the Brexit movement as a significant moment that helped give the campaign greater political credibility.
Kemi Badenoch also paid tribute, describing Widdecombe as a formidable politician who consistently defended her convictions and remained guided by her faith and personal values throughout her career.
Police Continue Investigation
Devon and Cornwall Police have urged anyone with information, photographs or video footage that could assist investigators to come forward.
Members of the public can submit information through the Major Incident Public Portal, contact police by calling 101 or via the force’s website using reference 50260179119 and Operation Hunlen.
Anonymous information can also be provided through the independent charity Crimestoppers.
