British police have arrested a suspect in the killing of Ann Widdecombe, a former British member of Parliament and reality TV contestant.
July 10, 2026 at 3:48 PM FILE - Britain's European parliament member Ann Widdecombe, right, of the Brexit party, speaks during a debate at the European parliament, Jan. 14, 2020, in Strasbourg, eastern France.
– British police on Friday arrested a 26-year-old man on suspicion of murder in the killing of Ann Widdecombe, a former British member of Parliament and reality TV contestant. Widdecombe, 78, was found dead on Thursday in her Haytor Vale home on the edge of Dartmoor National Park in southwest England after sustaining what police said were “serious injuries.
”The killing was not believed to be an act of terror and there was no information to suggest it was politically motivated, Devon and Cornwall Police Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman said. Longman did not discuss a possible motive but said the suspect was in custody as the investigation continues.
“This is really shocking news, and my thoughts, I think all of our thoughts, will be with the family and friends of Ann Widdecombe at this awful time,” Prime Ministersaid. “Ann was a distinguished politician over many, many years with many achievements, and it’s a huge, huge loss. ” Widdecombe found fame after leaving Parliament as a contestant on the Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother reality television shows.
She later joined the Brexit Party and became a spokeswoman for the anti-immigration Reform UK party. She served in the House of Commons as an MP from 1987 to 2010 and was known for socially conservative views opposing abortion rights and expansion of LGBTQ rights. Starmer said the security of lawmakers was “of the utmost importance” as he urged people to rise above political differences.
Security has been tightened for politicians after the murders of two serving members of Parliament in the past decade. Labour lawmaker Jo CoxNigel Farage, leader of Reform, said he was deeply upset over Widdecombe's death and noted that “things have become even more dangerous” for people in public life.called Widdecombe a “heroic Brexiteer and a great speaker who could move Tory audiences to such ecstasy that she was a very hard act to follow.
" The management company that represented her after she left politics said her life and career were driven by strong Christian values and a commitment to public service. “She loved the cut and thrust of political debate and, 16 years after leaving Parliament, was still actively campaigning for“As Ann once said... ‘we get one go this side of eternity, one go.
Life is not a dress rehearsal, you take opportunities that you like and you go for it, that’s my philosophy’. ” Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Varsity 4 All-News4JAX girls lacrosse player of the year: Episcopal’s Brooke McCoyWidower whose wife was killed in Clay County home invasion shooting launches GoFundMeBills overwhelming you? How to negotiate monthly expenses to save you moneyPerson riding scooter dies in St. Johns County crash on SR-16 at Ponce De Leon Blvd. Man making suicidal threats on livestream shot after standoff with deputies on Blanding Blvd.
A stronger El Nino brings a quieter hurricane season2 women driving through Springfield critically injured when shots were fired at carReady to build your future in the skilled trades? Ring camera captured triple shooting that killed 4-year-old, injured mother, 2-year-old sister
Please follow us on Google to support usBoris Johnson Ann Widdecombe Matt Longman World News Nigel Farage David Amess Jo Cox
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News: You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Ann Widdecombe's passing leaves a mark on British showbiz and politicsFormer Conservative MP Ann Widdecombe, known for her controversial stances on moral issues and her time in politics, has passed away aged 78. Tributes have poured in from politicians and celebrities, including Piers Morgan and Jeremy Vine, who remember her as a charismatic, combative gem. Amanda Barrie, who starred with her on Celebrity Big Brother, recalls Ann as a kind person with a big heart, saying 'she thought she could control Big Brother, she left the light on at night and thought she controlled Big Brother'. Ann's private life remained relatively quiet, with no marriage or children. However, her time in politics and showbusiness remains a memorable chapter in British showbiz, with celebrities and politicians alike remembering her with fondness and respect. Ann's death leaves a mark on both British showbiz and politics, reminding us of the strong impact former figures can have on society. Her death serves as a stark reminder of the end of an era, following so many years of public commentary and its strongly held views on political issues. As Andrea Finnie, the editor of TV Times, has said, 'Ann Widdecombe's absence from the TV is particularly stark'.
Read more »
Murder probe launched into suspicious death of prominent British ex-politician Ann WiddecombeBritish interior minister Shabana Mahmood said the circumstances of the death “are extremely distressing.”
Read more »
Murder Investigation Launched Following Death of Former British Politician Ann WiddecombePolice in Devon have opened a murder inquiry into the death of veteran Conservative politician Ann Widdecombe, who was found with serious injuries at her Dartmoor home.
Read more »
Murder probe launched after former British politician Ann Widdecombe found dead in her home, police sayAnn Widdecombe, a former member of Parliament, had "sustained serious injuries" when she was found dead in her home in southwest England, police said.
Read more »