Suspect in Ann Widdecombe murder inquiry released and no longer part of investigation

Suspect in Ann Widdecombe murder inquiry released and no longer part of investigation

Devon and Cornwall Police have released a 26-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murdering former MP and MEP Ann Widdecombe. The suspect, described as a white British national, was detained in Newton Abbot on Friday, July 10, but police confirmed on Saturday that he is no longer part of the investigation.

The 78-year-old former government minister was found dead at her five-bedroom chalet bungalow in Haytor on Dartmoor. Officers were called to the property by the ambulance service at approximately 11.40am on Thursday, July 9. According to Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman, Ms Widdecombe was located deceased within the property and had sustained serious injuries.

Detectives from the Force Major Crime Investigation Team launched a murder inquiry, deploying forensic specialists and implementing road closures around the scene. While counter-terrorism policing was consulted during initial inquiries, Assistant Chief Constable Longman stated the incident is not being treated as terrorism. He further noted that police remain "open-minded" and currently have no information suggesting the death was politically motivated.

Timeline of events

Police are currently attempting to establish the exact movements of Ms Widdecombe during her final day. A timeline of events is as follows:

• Wednesday, 9am: Ms Widdecombe failed to appear for a scheduled broadcast on Jeremy Vine’s Channel 5 show.
• Wednesday, 12.19pm: A final message was reportedly sent by Ms Widdecombe to a producer regarding an upcoming appearance on the Matthew Allwright programme.
• Wednesday, 12.48pm: A producer requested Ms Widdecombe join a Zoom meeting for a remote interview; she did not respond.
• Thursday, 10.40am: Police were called after a carer discovered her body in the kitchen of her bungalow.
• Friday, 3.40pm: Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed the launch of a murder investigation.
• Friday, 5.20pm: A 26-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder.
• Saturday, 6.30am: The suspect was released from custody.

Broadcaster Dan Walker clarified that the Channel 5 team contacted Ms Widdecombe's agent to check on her after she stopped responding to messages and failed to appear on the show. This information has since been passed to police as part of the investigation.

Community and political reaction

Residents of Haytor Vale described the area as "very safe," with some noting it was not unusual to leave front doors or cars unlocked. However, one neighbour, Christine Maloney, suggested that because everyone knew the house belonged to the former MP, it may have been a factor. Another neighbour claimed a man in hiking clothes visited the home in the middle of the night just hours before the body was found.

The death has drawn tributes from across the political spectrum. Former Tory MP Edwina Currie described Ms Widdecombe as articulate and funny and a very calm woman beneath a hard shell. Brendan Cox, whose wife Jo Cox was murdered in 2016, wrote that while motives are not yet known, there is nothing that could ever justify an attack like this.

Nigel Farage claimed the incident shows that things have become even more dangerous for those in public life.

Public service and legacy

After leaving the Commons, she appeared on Strictly Come Dancing. She later served as a member of the European parliament after joining the Brexit Party in 2019, and then to Reform UK.

Ms Widdecombe had previously revealed she received death threats during her political career but chose not to report them to the police, believing it was crucial for MPs to intermingle freely with constituents.

Police continue to appeal for information. They are seeking CCTV, doorbell, or dashcam footage from the vicinity of Haytor and Haytor Vale. Information can be submitted via the Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) or anonymously via Crimestoppers, quoting reference 50260179119 and Operation Hunlen.