A 26-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder following the death of former Conservative MP and government minister Ann Widdecombe. The man, described as a white British national, was taken into custody on Friday after being arrested at an address in Newton Abbot, Devon.

Police discovered the body of the 78-year-old Widdecombe, who also served as a spokesperson for Reform UK, at her home in Haytor, a village on Dartmoor in Devon, at approximately 11:40 BST on Thursday. She was found with serious injuries.

Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman stated on Friday that current information does not suggest the crime is politically motivated, and it is too early to determine if the suspect knew Widdecombe. The investigation is in its early stages, and police are urging anyone with information to come forward. Widdecombe's next of kin have been informed and are receiving support from trained officers.

This development has stunned political leaders. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage have all expressed their shock and sadness.

Ann Widdecombe had a long and prominent political career, serving as the MP for Maidstone for 23 years and holding positions as a Home Office and employment minister under Prime Minister John Major from 1994 to 1997. Following her parliamentary career, she transitioned to television, appearing on shows like "Strictly Come Dancing" and "Celebrity Big Brother."

She was a vocal supporter of Brexit and later became an MEP for the Brexit Party, representing South West England from 2019 to 2020. In 2023, Widdecombe joined Reform UK, where she took on roles as a spokesperson for immigration and justice.

Police were called to Widdecombe's rural home in Haytor by the ambulance service. A cordon remains in place at the property while forensic investigations are conducted. Officers are conducting door-to-door inquiries and reviewing CCTV footage in the area. Detective Chief Inspector Ilona Rosson described the incident as "extremely tragic" and extended condolences to Widdecombe's family and friends.

Further inquiries are ongoing, and authorities are particularly interested in any suspicious activity observed in the vicinity of Haytor Vale or any relevant CCTV, doorbell, or dashcam footage that could aid the investigation.