Former Conservative MP Ann Widdecombe has been found dead at her home in Devon, with police launching a murder investigation into her death.
Police were called to an address in Haytor by the ambulance service at around 11:40am on Thursday, 9 July, and found the 78-year-old politician deceased within the property. She had sustained serious injuries.
Her next-of-kin have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers, with a cordon remaining outside her property while forensic examinations continue.
Police are now looking for a white male in connection with the murder investigation, and are appealing for anyone with information to come forward. They are particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have seen anything suspicious in the vicinity of Haytor Vale, Haytor, or anyone with CCTV, doorbell, or dashcam footage that may be useful.
A Major Incident Public Portal has been set up for information, images, or footage to be submitted, and anyone with useful information can contact the police by phone on 101 or through their website, quoting reference 50260179119 and Operation Hunlen.
Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or at their website.
The Prime Minister has released a statement expressing his sadness at the news of Widdecombe's death, saying she was a "distinctive figure in British politics for many years" and paying tribute to her "conviction and dedication" to her country.
Outgoing Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer also paid tribute to Widdecombe, saying she was a "formidable politician" and urging people to "rise above any political differences" in the wake of her death.
Former colleagues and co-stars have also paid tribute to Widdecombe, with Anton Du Beke describing her as a "real friend" and Piers Morgan calling her a "wonderfully no-nonsense, straight-talking, highly opinionated British battle-axe".
Widdecombe served as Conservative MP for Maidstone from 1987 until she stood down in 2010, and went on to join Nigel Farage's Brexit Party in 2019. She was a prominent figure in British politics, known for her outspoken views and dedication to her causes.
The investigation into Widdecombe's death is ongoing, with police urging people not to speculate about the circumstances surrounding her death and to allow the investigation to progress.
A Downing Street spokesperson said: "The Prime Minister was saddened to hear of the death of Ann Widdecombe. She was a distinctive figure in British politics for many years, and he pays tribute to the conviction and dedication with which she served her country."
Kemi Badenoch also paid tribute to the "formidable politician", saying: "She was an absolute force of nature. She never let anyone with any doubt in their minds at all where she stood on all the great issues of the day, and she was formidable too."
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage remembered Widdecombe as an "incredibly loyal ally" and said her move to the Brexit Party was a "very significant" moment in "our political history".
Away from politics, Widdecombe forged a television career with her memorable Strictly stint 16 years ago, and went on to appear in multiple documentaries and shows such as Have I Got News For You and The Chase.
