London, United Kingdom. A 26-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murdering former government minister Ann Widdecombe, 78, has been released and is no longer part of the investigation, British police said on Saturday. Officers said enquiries into her death remain ongoing.
Police investigation
Devon and Cornwall Police said officers were called to Widdecombe’s home shortly after midday on Thursday, where she was found dead. Forensic examinations at the property were continuing.
Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman said there was no information suggesting the murder was terrorism-related or politically motivated.
Political career
Widdecombe was known for her socially conservative and pro-Brexit views. She served as a junior minister in Conservative Prime Minister John Major’s government between 1992 and 1997.
More recently, she was an immigration and justice spokesperson for Nigel Farage’s Reform UK.
Throughout her political career, Widdecombe was known for her bluntness and for views including opposition to abortion and to equalising the age of consent for homosexual and heterosexual relationships.
Tribute
Prime Minister Keir Starmer paid tribute to “Ann’s dedication during her many years of public service”.
Two serving British members of parliament have been murdered in the past decade. Labour lawmaker Jo Cox was shot and stabbed during the Brexit campaign in 2016 by a Nazi-obsessed loner, while Conservative lawmaker David Amess was stabbed to death in 2021 by a man inspired by Islamic State.
