Former British Cabinet minister and Reform UK spokeswoman Ann Widdecombe has died aged 78 after she was found with serious injuries at her Devon home, with police confirming on Friday, July 10, that they have launched a murder investigation.
Devon and Cornwall Police said officers were called by the ambulance service to Widdecombe’s residence in Haytor Vale, near Dartmoor, at about 11:40 a.m. BST on Thursday, July 9. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Detectives later classified the death as suspicious and handed the case to the Force Major Crime Investigation Team, which is searching for a white male believed to be connected to the incident.
Detective Chief Inspector Ilona Rosson said specialist officers were working at pace to establish the circumstances surrounding Widdecombe’s death and identify the person responsible.
She appealed to anyone who was in the Haytor Vale area, or who has CCTV, doorbell camera or dashcam footage, to contact police.
Rosson also urged the public to avoid speculation that could hinder the investigation or cause further distress to the family.
A police cordon remained in place on Friday as forensic officers continued examining the property.
Widdecombe’s representatives had earlier announced her death without revealing the circumstances. After police confirmed the murder inquiry, her management described the development as “absolutely devastating,” saying the family had endured an intensely traumatic 24 hours.
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The family appealed for privacy, pledged full cooperation with investigators and urged anyone with information that could assist detectives to come forward.
Tributes poured in from across Britain’s political spectrum.
Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch said she was stunned by the news, describing the circumstances surrounding Widdecombe’s death as “horrific” and extending condolences to her family and colleagues in Reform UK.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said she was deeply saddened by the former minister’s death and urged the public to allow detectives to carry out their work without speculation.
Widdecombe represented Maidstone as a Conservative MP for 23 years and served as a minister in the government of former Prime Minister John Major.
A prominent Brexit campaigner, she later served as a Member of the European Parliament for the Brexit Party before joining Reform UK in 2023 as the party’s immigration and justice spokesperson.
She remained active in public life until her death and had appeared on television on Wednesday, July 8, discussing Reform UK and its leader, Nigel Farage.
Police said the investigation remains ongoing.