Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman Details Initial Murder Inquiry

Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman addressed the investigation during a press conference held Friday afternoon. Sadly, 78-year-old Ms. Widdecombe was located deceased within the property, she had sustained serious injuries, Longman stated. Regarding the motive, Longman noted that the incident is not being treated as terrorism following consultations with counter-terror policing as part of “initial enquiries.” He further added, “At this time, again it’s early stages of the investigation so we’ll remain open minded, but at this time I’ve got no information to believe that this is a politically motivated crime.” Authorities have stated it is currently “too early” to comment on whether the suspect was known to the victim.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Party Leaders Respond to the Death

Widdecombe’s death has prompted widespread reaction across the political spectrum. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the murder probe as “really shocking news.” Starmer confirmed he had spoken with the Speaker of the House of Commons Lindsay Hoyle, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, Reform UK’s Nigel Farage, and Andy Burnham to urge everybody to come together.

Kemi Badenoch, leader of the Conservative Party, expressed her reaction to the incident: Ann Widdecombe was a very fun and feisty woman who spoke her mind, and she was 78 years old—she was an elderly woman. I don’t understand how someone could do something so horrific to an elderly person. It was a nasty, horrific attack, and my heart is breaking for her family.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage released a video statement regarding his party’s spokesperson, describing her as an “extraordinary” and “remarkable, principled woman.” Farage stated he was “deeply, deeply upset by the nature of her death,” adding, “She was kind to everybody. Frankly this was somebody who gave her life to public service, to fighting for the things that she believed in.” Farage noted that he had been expecting to see her in the coming days, remarking that the nation and Reform UK are “much poorer” without her.

Ann Widdecombe’s Parliamentary Career and Television Appearances

Widdecombe served in the British Parliament for over 20 years, representing a district in Kent as a Conservative Party Member of Parliament. She worked as a Home Office and employment minister in the government of John Major between 1994 and 1997. After retiring from Parliament in 2010, she gained prominence through television appearances, including ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ and ‘Celebrity Big Brother,’ where she finished as runner-up in 2018. In 2019, she was elected as a Member of the European Parliament for the Brexit Party, serving until Britain’s exit from the European Union on Jan. 31, 2020.

Tributes also arrived from former colleagues and friends. Anton Du Beke, a dancer and judge on ‘Strictly Come Dancing,’ posted to Facebook: “I had the most brilliant time with Ann on Strictly Come Dancing. She became a real friend. She was fun, she was upbeat, she was positive… we had an incredible time together and we stayed firm friends. I’m devastated by the news of Ann’s passing.”

Grant Shapps, former Conservative Party MP and Secretary of Defence, shared a photograph of Widdecombe holding his son. “A sad day has become shocking. Ann Widdecombe was fiercely principled and utterly authentic,” Shapps wrote on X. Zack Polanski, leader of the Green Party, also expressed his condolences, stating he was shocked to hear the news about the circumstances of Ann Widdecombe’s death.

Widdecombe’s management released a statement saying, “We are absolutely devastated by this news following a very traumatic and upsetting 24 hours. We fully support the police in their investigations and we reiterate the family’s desire not to be contacted at this difficult time.”