Key facts
- Ann Widdecombe, 78, a former Conservative minister and Reform UK spokesperson, was found dead with serious injuries at her home in Devon.
- A 28-year-old man has been arrested in South Yorkshire on suspicion of her murder.
- Police stated the incident is not currently being treated as terrorism-related or politically motivated.
- A previous arrest of a 26-year-old man in connection with the murder has concluded.
- Widdecombe served as an MP for Maidstone from 1987 to 2010 and later as an MEP.
British police have arrested a 28-year-old man in South Yorkshire on suspicion of murdering Ann Widdecombe, a prominent former Conservative minister and Reform UK spokesperson. Widdecombe, 78, was discovered with serious injuries at her home in Haytor, Devon. The latest arrest was made with support from Counter Terrorism Policing North East and South Yorkshire Police. Authorities have stated there is currently no information to suggest the incident is terrorism-related or politically motivated. A previous arrest of a 26-year-old man in connection with the murder has concluded, and he is no longer part of the investigation. Widdecombe had a long political career, serving as an MP for Maidstone from 1987 to 2010, and later as a Brexit Party MEP before joining Reform UK. Following her parliamentary career, she also gained public recognition through appearances on television shows like 'Strictly Come Dancing' and 'Celebrity Big Brother'.