Ann Widdecombe, the former Conservative Member of Parliament and prominent Brexit supporter, was found dead in her Devon home on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at the age of 78. Authorities discovered her body with serious head injuries in Haytor Vale, near Dartmoor National Park. A 26-year-old man was arrested in Newton Abbot on Friday, July 10, on suspicion of murder. The police have stated that the incident is not being treated as terrorism-related or politically motivated.
Widdecombe served as the Member of Parliament for Maidstone and The Weald from 1987 to 2010, holding various ministerial positions, including Minister of State for Employment and Minister of State for Prisons. After retiring from Parliament, she gained public attention through appearances on reality television shows such as "Strictly Come Dancing" and "Celebrity Big Brother." She was also a member of the Brexit Party, later known as Reform UK, and served as a Member of the European Parliament for South West England from 2019 to 2020.
Political figures have expressed shock and condolences following her death. Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the news as "really shocking," highlighting Widdecombe's distinguished political career. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch also expressed her sadness, emphasizing the horror of the attack on an elderly woman.
The police investigation is ongoing, and authorities have not released further details about the suspect's identity or potential motives. The community remains in shock over the loss of a figure who was both a significant political presence and a well-known television personality.