Man arrested on suspicion of murder after death of Ann Widdecombe
A 26-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder following the death of former UK government minister Ann Widdecombe. Police confirmed the incident is not being treated as terrorism and are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding her death at her home in Devon.
Why it matters
The death of a prominent former politician and public figure has drawn significant attention from UK political leaders and the public.
Image source, Reuters By Michael Sheils McNamee Published 10 July 2026, 15:45 BST Updated 22 minutes ago A 26-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder following the death of former MP and government minister Ann Widdecombe.
Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed the man, who is a white British national, was arrested at an address in Newton Abbot, Devon, on Friday and is in custody.
The body of the 78-year-old former Conservative minister and Reform UK spokesperson was found by police with serious injuries at her home in Haytor, a rural village on Dartmoor in Devon, at about 11:40 BST on Thursday.
The incident is not being treated as terrorism, after counter-terror policing was involved as part of "initial enquiries".
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