British police have released a 26-year-old man who was previously arrested on suspicion of murder in the death of Ann Widdecombe, a former member of Parliament and reality television personality. The 78-year-old was found dead on Thursday at her home in Haytor, a village on the edge of Dartmoor National Park in southwest England. Authorities reported that she had sustained serious injuries, prompting the launch of a major murder investigation. The man, who was arrested on Friday in a nearby town, is no longer under investigation, according to Devon and Cornwall Police.
Widdecombe was a prominent figure in British public life for decades. She served as a Conservative lawmaker in the House of Commons from 1987 to 2010, holding roles such as prisons minister during the 1990s. After leaving Parliament, she gained widespread recognition through appearances on reality shows like Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother. In recent years, she remained active in politics as a spokesperson for the anti-immigration Reform UK party.
While the death has sent shock waves through the political community, investigators have stated there is no information to suggest the incident was politically motivated or an act of terror. Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his condolences, describing Widdecombe as a distinguished politician and noting that her death is a significant loss. He also emphasized the importance of lawmaker security, a topic that has gained heightened attention following the violent deaths of two serving members of Parliament over the past decade.
Detectives continue to conduct extensive inquiries to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. A police cordon remains in place at the property as forensic teams and officers carry out house-to-house investigations and review local CCTV footage. Authorities have appealed to the public for any information that might assist in identifying those responsible for the attack. The investigation remains active as police work to establish a timeline and motive for the crime.