General U.S. NewsJul 10, 2026·2 min read

Former MP Ann Widdecombe found dead; 26-year-old held on murder suspicion

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Former MP Ann Widdecombe found dead; 26-year-old held on murder suspicion

Summary

A 26-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after former British MP and television personality Ann Widdecombe was found dead with serious injuries at her home, police said on Friday. Widdecombe, 78, was found on Thursday at her home in Haytor Vale on the edge of Dartmoor National Park in south-west England. Police said 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 the suspect remained in custody and the investigation was continuing. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: "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." He added: "Ann was a distinguished politician over many, many years with many achievements, and it's a huge, huge loss." Longman did not discuss a possible motive. Asked whether the killing was politically motivated, Starmer said he would not speculate and added that the security of lawmakers was "of the utmost importance" as he urged people to rise above political differences. Security for politicians has been tightened after the murders of two serving MPs in the past decade. Labour lawmaker Jo Cox was shot and stabbed in 2016 by a far-right extremist, while Conservative lawmaker David Amess was stabbed in 2021 by an attacker inspired by the Islamic State group. Widdecombe served in the House of Commons from 1987 to 2010 and was known for her socially conservative positions, including opposition to abortion rights and the expansion of LGBTQ rights. She later joined the Brexit Party and became a spokeswoman for the anti-immigration Reform UK party.

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Former MP Ann Widdecombe found dead; 26-year-old held on murder suspicion

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