Police launch murder investigation after Ann Widdecombe found dead at Devon home

Police have launched a murder investigation following the death of former Conservative minister and Reform UK spokesperson Ann Widdecombe, who was found dead at her home on the edge of Dartmoor in Devon.

A large police and forensic presence remains outside the rural property in Haytor, where officers continue to examine the scene. Several police vehicles are stationed along the road, while forensic teams and detectives carry out investigations at the house.

Widdecombe, 78, moved into the property in 2008 after retiring from frontline politics. She named the home Widdecombe’s Rest, describing it at the time as a symbol of her retirement and saying she intended to spend the rest of her life there.

Devon and Cornwall Police said officers discovered Widdecombe’s body at the property on Thursday. Detectives have since launched a murder investigation and are continuing inquiries into the circumstances surrounding her death.

The day before she was found dead, Widdecombe appeared on TalkTV, where she discussed Reform UK and its leader, Nigel Farage.

A former Conservative minister, Widdecombe was a prominent supporter of Brexit and later served as a Member of the European Parliament for the Brexit Party in 2019. She rejoined the party, renamed Reform UK, in 2023 as its immigration and justice spokesperson.

Earlier on Friday, Widdecombe’s management confirmed that she had died at the age of 78 but did not provide details about the location, timing or circumstances of her death.

The investigation remains ongoing as police continue forensic examinations and appeal for information.