Investigation continues into the murder of former minister Ann Widdecombe

Former British government minister and Reform UK spokesperson Ann Widdecombe, 78, was found dead at her home in rural southwest England on the morning of Thursday, July 10. Authorities reported that she suffered serious injuries, and a murder investigation is currently underway. A 26-year-old man initially arrested in connection with the crime was released without charge on Saturday, July 12, and is no longer under investigation. Subsequently, a 28-year-old British national was arrested on the evening of Saturday, July 12, at a property in South Yorkshire and remains in custody. Police believe the victim may have been dead for approximately 24 hours before her body was discovered. Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman confirmed that there is no current evidence to suggest the incident was terrorism-related or politically motivated. Forensic experts have been deployed to her property in Devon to collect evidence. Tributes have been paid to her career across the political spectrum, including from Prime Minister Keir Starmer.