Police investigating the murder of Ann Widdecombe say there is no evidence that her killing was politically motivated as they continue to quiz a 28-year-old man.
The suspect, who is a white British national arrested in South Yorkshire, remained in police custody on Sunday, Devon and Cornwall Police said, adding that they are not looking for anyone else at this stage.
The former Tory minister was found dead at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor at about 11.40am on Thursday after sustaining serious injuries.
The force said on Saturday they believed Ms Widdecombe was attacked on Wednesday at about 12.30pm.
The 78-year-old had been expected to appear on 5 Daytime television show on Wednesday, but had stopped responding to messages and did not turn up for her slot.
Also on Saturday, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage paid tribute to Ms Widdecombe, a former party spokesperson, as he laid flowers near her home. He told reporters he was “deeply, deeply upset” by her death.
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Key Points
- Police 'not looking for anyone else' and no indication of political motive in attack
- Man arrested on suspicion of the murder of Ann Widdecombe
- Ex-Tory minister’s final messages revealed
- Public has brought 120 pieces of evidence forward, say police
- Police explain why they won't issue suspect description
- Ann Widdecombe’s missing hours that could hold key to finding her killer
Public has brought 120 pieces of evidence forward, say police
19:46 , Harriette BoucherThe police thank the public for sharing more than 120 pieces of information to help with their investigation in recent days.
They say people can continue to submit information they think might help the case online, and anonymously.
“I’d just like to thank all those who have taken the time to contribute that information, and ask anyone who has not yet submitted any information that they hold to do so as a priority,” says Devon and Cornwall Police Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman.
He later added: “I would like to thank the local communities, the wider public and the media for their ongoing support and patience, and ask them to continue to support us in the next stage of this investigation.
“Any relevant information, images or footage can be reported via our Major Incident Public Portal, and you can follow the links and QR codes available on our website to achieve this.
“Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers.”
Police ‘open minded’ about motive for Ann Widdecombe murder after suspect, 28, arrested
18:58 , Harriette Boucher
Police ‘open minded’ about motive for Ann Widdecombe murder as suspect arrested
Aberdeen university probing employee’s comments about Widdecombe’s death
18:26 , Harriette BoucherThe University of Aberdeen is looking into comments made by a member of its staff about Ann Widdecombe’s death.
It comes after employee and activist Heather Herbert said she hoped Ms Widdecombe suffered an "extremely painful death”.
Writing on X, the trans activist and former Labour candidate referred to her death as “good news”, adding: “I hope she was handcuffed to the bed as she screamed in agony.”
Her comments were branded “vile” and sparked outrage online.
A petition was also launched, urging her university to conduct a formal review.
The University of Aberdeen said in a statement: “The University is aware of social media posts made by a member of staff regarding the death of Ann Widdecombe and is reviewing this as a matter of priority.
“The comments that have been shared are entirely the individual’s own and do not represent the views of the University of Aberdeen.
“Complaints into any member of staff are handled confidentially through our established processes.”
16:30 , James ReynoldsWatch: Police issue update in Ann Widdecombe murder as suspect, 28, arrested
16:00 , James ReynoldsIn pictures: Memorials and tributes for the late politician Ann Widdecombe
15:30 , James Reynolds
Reform deputy says he spoke to Ms Widdecombe on Monday
15:18 , James ReynoldsReform UK deputy leader Richard Tice said he last spoke to Ann Widdecombe days before she was found dead.
He told reporters in Haytor Vale: “It was Monday I last spoke to her.
“Any conversation with Ann is a proper conversation, there’s no tittle tattle… And that was great, as always.
“And then I had a nice text message on Tuesday, and then Thursday you hear the news… It’s just shocking.”
Addressing a group of mourners gathered in the village, he said: “We have lost an absolute colossus, a legend in all our lifetime.
“Ann Widdecombe was unique, she was adored by millions, she was treasured by millions… She was a remarkable, remarkable figure.”
Police statement in full as detectives give update on possible motive
15:00 , James ReynoldsMatt Longman, assistant chief constable of Devon and Cornwall Police, spoke in a press conference after 11.30am on Sunday to share an update on the murder investigation and suspect arrested in connection with her death.
Read it here in full:
Statement in full as detectives give Ann Widdecombe murder update
A timeline of Wednesday's messages
14:42 , James ReynoldsAnn Widdecombe was in conversation with a producer from Channel 5 shortly before police believe she was attacked.
Here’s what we know, according to texts shared with ITV News:
Wednesday, 8 July, 12:14pm: Ms Widdecombe is speaking with the producer about a missing email
12:19: Ms Widdecombe sends her last message back: “Received! Panic over!!”
12:19: She is seen to have opened but not responded to the response: “Amazing! Let me know if there are any issues”
12:48: The producer follows up, asking Ms Widdecombe to join a Zoom call ahead of the interview slot. She does not read the message.
12:53: A call to Ms Widdecombe’s phone is not picked up
12:55: The producer follows up asking “is everything okay?” There is no response.
13:05: Two more attempts to reach Ms Widdecombe.
13:25: The show acknowledges she has not turned up for her slot.
Evening: The team inform her agent, and followup again on Thursday.
Thursday, 9July, 11:40am: Police are called to Ms Widdecombe’s home by an ambulance crew and find her deceased.
‘I can’t tell you how many death threats I’ve had’, says minister amid Ann Widdecombe murder probe
14:30 , James ReynoldsA Labour minister has revealed he has received several death threats this year alone as he called for a less toxic political culture in the wake of Ann Widdecombe’s murder.
Sir Chris Bryant’s intervention came as police insisted there was nothing to suggest at this stage that her death was politically motivated.
But Sir Chris pointed out that two other MPs, Jo Cox and Sir David Amess, have also been murdered in the past decade as he told The Camilla Tominey Show on GB News: "We should be worried about the state of the British political debate.”
Minister reveals death threats amid Ann Widdecombe murder probe
Senior Reform figure hits out at police over protection for the party's MPs
14:00 , James ReynoldsReform’s home affairs spokesman Zia Yusuf has hit out at the government, the Speaker of the House of Commons and the police, accusing them of not caring about the security of his party’s MPs.
Miss Widdecombe, a former Tory minister, was in later years a Reform politician.
In a statement on X, formerly Twitter, Mr Yusuf said: “Based on what I have seen in the last 48 hours, none of the government, the Speaker nor the police care at all about the security of Reform MPs.
“Several of our MPs have written to the above in recent months about distressing, escalating security concerns, asking for help. Their correspondence was not even replied to.
“I will let you draw your own conclusions from this.”
His comment follows reports Reform UK MPs are being given round the clock security protection paid for by the party following Miss Widdecombe’s death.
Public urged not to speculate about motive
13:30 , James ReynoldsDetectives investigating the alleged murder of former MP and MEP Ann Widdecombe have urged people not to speculate about motive as it is “unhelpful”.
In a short briefing just after 11.30am on Sunday, Devon and Cornwall Police Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman told reporters: “We are aware of online and public speculation, particularly with regards to motive.
“Again, I urge people not to share or engage with that speculation. It’s unhelpful.
“It doesn’t aid our investigation, and particularly, it’s distressing to the family and friends of Miss Widdecombe.
“We understand that there is a huge appetite for information, but progressing and protecting the integrity of our investigation is paramount now.
“We recognise there is still some way to go in this case, and the release of any information will be a decision made on an operational basis.”
Recap: Police explain why they won't issue suspect description
13:00 , James ReynoldsDevon and Cornwall police have decided not to release any further information about potential suspects or CCTV footage.
Police believe the suspect is a white male and that attack took place on Wednesday 8 July at around 12.30pm, but have said no further information will be released.
Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman said: “At this time we have made the active decision not to release further information, including descriptions of any potential suspects or releasing CCTV footage.
“Releasing such information prematurely could compromise ongoing enquiries and may prejudice future investigative opportunities.
“The decision not to disclose further details at this time is made on an operational basis. We will release information to the public when it is appropriate and necessary, in order to support the investigation.
“I would ask the public again, please do not to speculate on social media.”
Full report: Murder suspect arrested 200 miles away in South Yorkshire
12:30 , James ReynoldsPolice have arrested a 28-year-old man on suspicion of the murder of Ann Widdecombe, who was discovered dead with with serious injuries at her remote Dartmoor home.
The former Tory prisons minister, 78, was found by ambulance crews on Thursday morning, sparking a murder investigation.
A statement from Devon and Cornwall Police, late on Saturday, said: “We can confirm that a 28-year-old man was arrested at an address in the South Yorkshire area this evening (July 11) on suspicion of the murder of Ann Widdecombe.”
Here’s what we know so far:
Police arrest man, 28, on suspicion of the murder of Ann Widdecombe
Watch: Police issue update in Ann Widdecombe murder as suspect, 28, arrested
12:00 , James ReynoldsWhat have we learned from this morning's press conference?
11:48 , James ReynoldsDevon & Cornwall police held a press conference on Sunday to share updates on their investigation into the death of Ann Widdecombe.
At this stage, they are not giving too much away, saying it is important they “protect the integrity” of the investigation.
They also urge people to avoid speculating about a possible motive as it could distress Ms Widdecombe’s family or even interfere with their work.
We learned that police arrested the 28-year-old man in Rotherham yesterday, a market town a 266 mile drive from Haytor, where Ms Widdecombe was found dead on Thursday.
Police said they are not looking for anyone else at this stage and maintain there is no evidence of a political motive.
Detectives remain open minded regarding possible motives for murder - so we are still not clear what happened or why.
Public has brought 120 pieces of evidence forward, say police
11:39 , James ReynoldsThe police thank the public for sharing more than 120 pieces of information to help with their investigation in recent days.
They say people can continue to submit information they think might help the case online, and anonymously.
“I’d just like to thank all those who have taken the time to contribute that information, and ask anyone who has not yet submitted any information that they hold to do so as a priority,” says Devon and Cornwall Police Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman.
He later added: “I would like to thank the local communities, the wider public and the media for their ongoing support and patience, and ask them to continue to support us in the next stage of this investigation.
“Any relevant information, images or footage can be reported via our Major Incident Public Portal, and you can follow the links and QR codes available on our website to achieve this.
“Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers.”
Information to be released on 'operational basis'
11:36 , James ReynoldsThe police spokesperson reiterates the importance of not speculating about motive, particularly online, as it could interfere with the investigation or distress the family.
“We understand that there is a huge appetite for information, but progressing and protecting the integrity of our investigation is paramount now.
“We recognise that there is still some way to go in this case and the release of any information will be a decision made on an operational basis.”
Police not looking for anyone else, say no indication of political motive
11:34 , James ReynoldsAt this point, police are not looking for anyone else in connection with the murder.
Detectives remain open minded regarding possible motives, but there is still no indication that attack was politically motivated, they say.
There is also still no information to suggest the attack was terror related, or that there is a threat to the wider public.
Suspect arrested in Rotherham: police
11:32 , James ReynoldsPolice say shortly after 9pm on Saturday 11 July, a 28-year-old white British man was arrested at an address in Rotherham on suspicion of the murder of Ms Widdecombe.
Ann Widdecombe’s final messages sent minutes before death revealed
11:30 , James ReynoldsAnn Widdecombe stopped responding to text messages just moments before police believe she was attacked, newly released exchanges reveal.
Police said on Saturday that they believe Ms Widdecombe was likely attacked on Wednesday at around 12:30pm, nearly 24 hours before she was found dead at her Dartmoor home.
WhatsApp exchanges seen by the broadcaster show the last message from Ms Widdecombe came at 12:19pm, reading: “Received! Panic over!!”
In full:
Ann Widdecombe’s final messages sent minutes before death revealed
Still waiting for press conference to start
11:16 , James ReynoldsThe media has gathered for Devon & Cornwall police to provide an update on the case.
There is some movement on the stage but we are yet to hear from an official.
Slight delay expected on police press conference
11:01 , James ReynoldsWe’re told there could be a slight delay, reason unclear, as we await an update on the investigation into the death of Ann Widdecombe.
Update on investigation to follow in minutes
10:57 , James ReynoldsThe police are expected to put out an update on the state of the investigation at 11am.
We’ll be bringing you the latest here.
Update on investigation imminent
10:47 , James ReynoldsWe are expecting an update on the police investigation as it stands from 11am.
Stay tuned for updates.
Minister reveals he has received 'several' death threats this year
10:43 , James ReynoldsSir Chris Bryant said he has received several death threats this year and called for a change in the tone of political debate.
Speaking about the death of former Tory minister Ann Widdecombe this week, trade minister Sir Chris, told GB News: “Every single person in the political sphere, as it were, is really shocked. What an awful set of events.
“I didn't know Ann particularly well. In fact, I think I only ever met her once. But I mean, to use the words from 'I am what I am', she was her own special creation.”
"We should be worried about the state of the British political debate, which has led to two murders, and you could also add, for that matter, Stephen Timms was viciously stabbed, wasn't he, in a constituency surgery some years ago,” he added in comments on the Camilla Tominey Show.
He went on to share his own experiences, saying: “I can't tell you how many death threats I've had over the years, including several this year, including from one guy who'd only just been let out of prison.
“You're never quite sure how seriously to take them ... But I am really glad that over the last 10 years, Parliament has taken and government has taken this issue much more seriously.”
The latest: Man arrested in South Yorkshire over death of former Tory minister
10:30 , James ReynoldsAnn Widdecombe’s local MP says she ‘will be very much missed’
10:03 , Kate DevlinShadow chancellor Mel Stride, who was Ms Widdecombe’s local MP in Devon, described her death as a “terrible, terrible event”.
He said he had spoken with the chief constable of Devon and Cornwall but could shed no more light on the murder.
He recalled, when she was still a Tory before joining Reform, “we'd go to garden fêtes and church fêtes and meet people. And I was always struck both by the fact that she had real conviction as an individual.
“You could agree with her or disagree with her, but she had true conviction, a strong personality ... she had that twinkle in her eye, that enormous energy and that great sense of humor and a rather arresting laugh as well.”
He added: “She will be very much missed”.
09:54 , James ReynoldsTimeline of Wednesday's developments
09:30 , James ReynoldsPolice believe Ms Widdecombe was attacked around 12:30 BST on Wednesday.
ITV News on Saturday published texts between a Channel 5 producer and Ms Widdecombe just moments before, discussing her planned appearance on the Matt Allwright show.
The texts show Ms Widdecombe was in regular contact with the producer from at least 12:14pm, and making jokes.
Ms Widdecombe was trying to find something sent to her email address and sent her last message at 12:19pm, reading: “Received! Panic over!!”
She then opened a message reading “Amazing! Let me know if there’s any issues”, also at 12:19, but did not open a message asking her to join Zoom at 12:48pm.
She then missed a voice call at 12:53pm and a follow up checking if she was okay at 12:55pm.
The producer tried to call two more times after 1pm, to no avail.
ITV reports the team contacted her agent about the absence that evening.
Labour minister praises Widdecombe - ‘she was her own special creation’
09:11 , Kate DevlinLabour minister Chris Bryant on Saturday compared the former Tory minister to the song ‘I Am What I Am’.
Speaking on Sky News, he said he met Ms Widdecombe before he entered politics, just after he stopped being a priest in the Church of England “and I did a Lent program about St Paul on Radio 4 with her".
He added: “To use words from the song… ‘I Am What I Am’, she was their own special creation. And, you know, some people absolutely adored that.”
He added that his “heart goes out to her family”.
09:00 , James ReynoldsReform UK has been going through its emails to check for patterns of abuse directed at Ann Widdecombe, but has not been able to find anything, Nigel Farage told reporters.
“I’ve had our security teams going through all of our emails to pick out ones that were sent that either were directly to Ann, or were abusive or about Ann. So, we’re doing everything we can to support the police in every way,” he said on Saturday.
Asked for more details about whether abusive emails had been recently directed at the former Conservative MP who died on Thursday, Mr Farage said: “We all get abusive emails in public life. I can tell you that we have not been able to to discern a specific pattern.”
“We can’t identify, from our data, any individual. General abuse, yes, it goes with public life, whether in football or politics or music, or whatever it is.”
Mr Farage said he had spoken with the Devon and Cornwall Police chief constable and police and crime commissioner, who were being supported by “the full resources of the police nationally” as they carry out a murder investigation.
Widdecombe used to challenge Brexiteers on leaving EU, says Iain Dale
08:47 , James ReynoldsSpeaking on Sky News, broadcaster Iain Dale suggests Ms Widdecombe “came to the Brexit party a little bit late”.
“She wasn’t a staunch Brexiteer until the referendum had happened, or it was happening,” he says.
In the early 2000s, Ms Widdecombe would apparently challenge those advocating leaving the EU without a plan for what happens afterwards, he says.
Ann Widdecombe’s final messages sent minutes before death revealed
08:33 , James ReynoldsAnn Widdecombe stopped responding to text messages just moments before police believe she was attacked, newly released exchanges reveal.
Police said on Saturday that they believe Ms Widdecombe was likely attacked on Wednesday at around 12:30pm, nearly 24 hours before she was found dead at her Dartmoor home.
WhatsApp exchanges seen by the broadcaster show the last message from Ms Widdecombe came at 12:19pm, reading: “Received! Panic over!!”
Read the full story:
Ann Widdecombe’s final messages sent minutes before death revealed
Family 'don't want death hijacked for political purposes' - report
08:31 , James ReynoldsAn unnamed source told the Mail on Sunday that Ms Widdecombe’s family “don’t want her death hijacked for political purposes” and were “very uneasy” about Nigel Farage being at the scene.
The Reform UK leader arrived in Dartmoor on Saturday to lay flowers. He said on Friday that he had fears for “anybody in public life”, adding “we don’t know what political motivates are, whether they exist at all”.
Police have said there is nothing to suggest there was a political motive, and urged people not to speculate as it could harm the investigation or cause distress to the family.
All we know about second suspect arrested
08:30 , James ReynoldsA 28-year-old man has been arrested in South Yorkshire on suspicion of the murder of former MP and MEP Ann Widdecombe, Devon and Cornwall Police said.
Police told us that the 28-year-old was arrested at an address “in the South Yorkshire area” on Saturday evening, on suspicion of the murder of Ann Widdecombe.
They identified the suspect as a white British national and said he was now in police custody.
Miss Widdecombe’s family have been informed of this development, they said.
Devon and Cornwall Police said they were supported by Counter Terrorism Policing North East and South Yorkshire Police, who carried out the arrest their behalf.
At this time, there is still no information to suggest that this is a terrorism related incident and as a force we retain primacy of the investigation, they said.
What happened to Ann Widdecombe?
08:00 , James ReynoldsA 28-year-old man has been arrested in South Yorkshire on suspicion of the murder of Ann Widdecombe.
“We can confirm that a 28-year-old man was arrested at an address in the South Yorkshire area this evening (July 11) on suspicion of the murder of Ann Widdecombe,” Devon and Cornwall Police said in a statement, adding that the suspect was a white British national.
Ambulance workers were called police to the 78-year-old’s home in rural southwest England on Thursday morning, where she had been found dead after suffering serious injuries. Detectives launched a murder investigation and began forensic examinations at the home.
Here’s what we know about what happened to Ann Widdecombe:
What happened to Ann Widdecombe?
The latest: Man arrested on suspicion of murder
07:30 , James ReynoldsGood morning.
If you are rejoining us from yesterday’s coverage, police announced on Saturday evening that a 28-year-old man has been arrested in the South Yorkshire area on suspicion of the murder of Ann Widdecombe.
It follows the prior arrest and subsequent release of a 26-year-old man, also described only as a white British national, on suspicion of her murder on Friday.
The police maintained that there was no information to suggest the murder of the 78-year-old was related to terrorism or had a political motive.
In another update, the police said they believed that the attack took place on Wednesday at around 1130 GMT.
That was a day before ambulance workers called police to Widdecombe's home, where she had been found dead after suffering serious injuries.
Pictured: Floral tributes including a wreath laid by Reform UK leader Nigel Farage
07:00 , Rebecca Whittaker
Recap: Timeline of Ann Widdecombe's last known movements as murder probe launched
06:00 , Rebecca WhittakerWednesday, 8 July:
08:00: Anne Widdecombe makes her final public appearance in an remote interview with TalkTV.
Early afternoon: Widdecombe is in contact with a researcher from Channel 5 ahead of a remote appearance on the Matt Allwright show at 1pm, per ITV.
12:19: The researcher, after an exchange of messages, receives a final message from Widdecombe, with 40 minutes until her interview.
12:48: The researcher messages again, asking Widdecombe to join a Zoom link. She does not reply. They try texting and calling again to no avail. The research team contacts her agent and follows up Thursday.
Police said on Saturday they believe Widdecombe may have been attacked around 12.30pm on Wednesday, around 24 hours before she was discovered.
Thursday, 9 July:
11:40: Officers are called to Widdecombe’s home in Haytor by the ambulance service. There are reports she was found by a gardener or a carer earlier that morning.
Friday, 10 July:
06:30: Sky News reports Widdecombe has died aged 78.
17:47: Devon & Cornwall police say a man has been arrested on suspicion of murder. They identify him as a 26-year-old white British national, who they arrested in Newton Abbot, some nine miles away.
Saturday, 11 July:
06:30: Police say the man who was arrested on Friday has “since been released” from custody and is no longer part of their investigation.
18:30: Devon & Cornwall police decided not to release any further information about potential suspects or CCTV footage.
23:30 A 28-year-old man was arrested in the South Yorkshire area this evening on suspicion of the murder of Ann Widdecombe
Recap: Man arrested on suspicion of the murder of Ann Widdecombe
05:00 , Rebecca WhittakerA 28-year-old man has been arrested in the South Yorkshire area this evening on suspicion of the murder of Ann Widdecombe.
The suspect, who is a white British national, is now in police custody, Devon and Cornwall Police have said.
Miss Widdecombe’s family have been informed of this development.
Devon and Cornwall Police said in a statement: “We were supported by Counter Terrorism Policing North East and South Yorkshire Police who carried out the arrest on behalf of Devon & Cornwall Police. At this time, there is still no information to suggest that this is a terrorism related incident and as a force we retain primacy of the investigation.
“This is a live and active investigation, and no further information will be issued tonight. We will look to provide further updates tomorrow.”
Watch: Adam Boulton describes Ann Widdecombe as a 'spinster' and 'an old maid'
04:00 , Rebecca WhittakerReform MPs given 24-hour protection following Ann Widdecombe’s death
03:00 , Alex RossReform UK MPs are being given round the clock security protection following the death of Ann Widdecombe.
The veteran politician, a former Tory minister and later Reform spokesperson, was found dead at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor at around 11.40am on Thursday after sustaining serious injuries.
Reform’s MPs are now being given 24-hour security protection following Miss Widdecombe’s death, as first reported by The Mail on Sunday.
The security is being paid for by the party and was offered for fear of similar attacks.
Ann Widdecombe’s driver says she never expressed any fear for her safety
02:00 , Rebecca WhittakerAnn Widdecombe’s personal driver has spoken of his “absolute shock” at finding out the former MP may have been murdered.
Peter Horrell described the ex-Tory prisons minister as a “great lady” who was “very comical” and “down to earth”.
Speaking to journalists after placing flowers in front of her house, he said Miss Widdecombe had “never mentioned any fear” for her safety and that she loved living in Haytor.
“She seemed quite happy living up here by herself. You never expect it, do you? Well I certainly didn’t. You know, very sad,” he said.
Inside Ann Widdecombe’s quiet Dartmoor life – a world away from Westminster politics and celebrity culture
01:00 , Rebecca WhittakerAnn Widdecombe moved to Haytor Vale to get away from it all, setting herself up ‘for the rest of my days’. But as an outspoken celebrity politician, she was somewhat of an anomaly in village life, as Jacqui Merrington found out.
Read more here:
Inside Ann Widdecombe’s quiet Dartmoor life – a world away from Westminster politics
Watch: Nigel Farage pays tribute to Ann Widdecombe
Sunday 12 July 2026 00:00 , Rebecca WhittakerMan arrested on suspicion of the murder of Ann Widdecombe
Saturday 11 July 2026 23:40 , Rebecca WhittakerA 28-year-old man has been arrested in the South Yorkshire area this evening on suspicion of the murder of Ann Widdecombe.
The suspect, who is a white British national, is now in police custody, Devon and Cornwall Police have said.
Miss Widdecombe’s family have been informed of this development.
Devon and Cornwall Police said in a statement: “We were supported by Counter Terrorism Policing North East and South Yorkshire Police who carried out the arrest on behalf of Devon & Cornwall Police. At this time, there is still no information to suggest that this is a terrorism related incident and as a force we retain primacy of the investigation.
“This is a live and active investigation, and no further information will be issued tonight. We will look to provide further updates tomorrow.”
The last messages Widdecombe sent to ITV producer
Saturday 11 July 2026 23:30 , Rebecca WhittakerAnn Widdecombe’s last WhatsApp messages show she stopped replying to messages just minutes before police believe she was murdered.
Messages shared by ITV News, shows Widdecombe discussing with the producer about details of a TV appearance, where she is asked to join a Zoom call from her home.
They appear to be exchanging messages between 12.14pm and 12.19pm on Wednesday.
The last message Widdecombe sent at 12.19pm said: “Received! Panic over!!”.
But no messages after that were responded to, The Sun has reported.
When the producer tried to call her, she then did not answer and a producer then asked if she was okay. But there was still no response.
Watch: Moment TV host shows concern after Ann Widdecombe fails to make scheduled appearance
Saturday 11 July 2026 23:00 , Rebecca WhittakerAnn Widdecombe’s missing hours revealed that could hold key to finding her killer
Saturday 11 July 2026 21:30 , Rebecca WhittakerAnn Widdecombe suddenly stopped responding to messages moments before she was due to appear on air for interview on Wednesday, the day before she was found at her dead at her Dartmoor home.
Ms Widdecombe, 78, was set to be a guest on 5 Daytime on Wednesday afternoon but stopped replying to the broadcaster and did not turn up for her slot, according to Channel 5 presenter Dan Walker.
“The team contacted her agent to ask them to check in on her. This information has been passed to police as it's part of the investigation,” he said in a post on social media.
Read more here:
Ann Widdecombe’s missing hours revealed that could hold key to finding her killer
Watch: Nigel Farage pays tribute to Ann Widdecombe
Saturday 11 July 2026 21:00 , Rebecca WhittakerFormer Sky News presenter apologises for ‘insensitive’ Ann Widdecombe comments after backlash
Saturday 11 July 2026 20:20 , Rebecca WhittakerPolitical commentator Adam Boulton has apologised for seriously wrong and insensitive” comments he made about Ann Widdecombe amid a murder probe into her death.
Mr Boulton initially refused to say sorry after he sparked outrage for labelling the former Tory minister, who was found dead at her Dartmoor home with serious injuries on Thursday morning, a “spinster” and “old maid” on live television.
The ex-Sky News presenter, who described himself as a “reporter who knew her for decades”, was called “truly vile” for the comments.
Read more here:
Former Sky News presenter sorry for ‘insensitive’ Ann Widdecombe comments
Watch: Adam Boulton describes Ann Widdecombe as a 'spinster' and 'an old maid'
Saturday 11 July 2026 20:00 , Rebecca WhittakerInside Ann Widdecombe’s quiet Dartmoor life – a world away from Westminster politics and celebrity culture
Saturday 11 July 2026 19:40 , Rebecca WhittakerAnn Widdecombe moved to Haytor Vale to get away from it all, setting herself up ‘for the rest of my days’. But as an outspoken celebrity politician, she was somewhat of an anomaly in village life, as Jacqui Merrington found out.
Read more here:
Inside Ann Widdecombe’s quiet Dartmoor life – a world away from Westminster politics
Buckfast Abbey share tribute to 'kind and warm' Ann Widdecombe
Saturday 11 July 2026 19:20 , Rebecca WhittakerBuckfast Abbey have shared a tribute to Ann Widdecombe who used to attend mass at the church, calling her a “kind and warm character”
The tribute read: “Fr Abbot and the Monastic Community of Buckfast were deeply saddened to hear of the death of Ann Widdecombe in such tragic and disturbing circumstances.
“Ann was a frequent worshipper in the Abbey Church, attending our Sunday Solemn Mass and notably attended our Holy Week and Easter services. Many in our worshipping community knew her as a kind and warm character. She will be missed and fondly remembered.
“Ann was a woman of profound faith, a faith which found expression in the public forum of politics. Ann was unafraid to express her unwavering convictions, formed through her Roman Catholic faith. She had a sharp intellect and was a dedicated public servant.”
A look at Ann Widdecombe's political career
Saturday 11 July 2026 19:00 , James ReynoldsAnn Widdecombe entered parliament in 1987 as the Conservative MP for Maidstone.
Her electoral success came after she failed to win the seat of Burnley in 1979 and Plymouth in 1983.
She was well known for her socially conservative views as a junior minister in John Major's 1992-1997 government, and later as an immigration and justice spokesperson for Reform UK.
The former Tory was home office secretary from 1995 to 1997, and later became shadow home secretary from 1999 to 2000, and health secretary from 1998 to 1999.
She left parliament in 2010, and became a prominent Eurosceptic, supporting the Vote Leave campaign during the 2016 Brexit referendum.
Ms Widdecombe was a member of the Brexit Party from 2019 and served as an MEP representing South West England in Brussels between 2019 and 2020.
Throughout her political career, she was known for her bluntness and socially conservative views, including opposition to abortion and to equalising the age of consent for homosexual and heterosexual relationships.
She also defended a policy of shackling pregnant prisoners during child birth to prevent their escape, and viewed single mothers as poor role models, but was unusual among Tory lawmakers in opposing the hunting of foxes with hounds.
Police explain why they won't issue suspect description
Saturday 11 July 2026 18:25 , Rebecca WhittakerDevon and Cornwall police have decided not to release any further information about potential suspects or CCTV footage.
Police believe the suspect is a white male and that attack took place on Wednesday 8 July at around 12.30pm, but have said no further information will be released.
Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman said: “At this time we have made the active decision not to release further information, including descriptions of any potential suspects or releasing CCTV footage.
“Releasing such information prematurely could compromise ongoing enquiries and may prejudice future investigative opportunities.
“The decision not to disclose further details at this time is made on an operational basis. We will release information to the public when it is appropriate and necessary, in order to support the investigation.
“I would ask the public again, please do not to speculate on social media.
“If you have any relevant information and have not yet reported, please do so via the major incident public portal.
“Our thoughts remain with Ann Widdecombe’s family and friends at this sad time. They continue to be supported by specialist officers.
“We will provide updates as and when we are able to and thank you for your patience.”
