28-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murdering former UK lawmaker

Former UK Member of Parliament Ann Widdecombe, aged 78, has tragically died, with police now treating her death as a murder investigation. Her body was discovered with serious injuries at her home in Haytor, Devon, on Thursday, July 9, 2026. Authorities believe she was attacked approximately 24 hours before her body was found.

Initially, a 26-year-old man was arrested in connection with the killing but has since been released without charge and is no longer part of the inquiry. Subsequently, a 28-year-old man was arrested in South Yorkshire on suspicion of her murder. Police have indicated that there is no current information suggesting the incident was politically motivated or an act of terrorism.

Ann Widdecombe had a distinguished career as a Conservative MP from 1987 to 2010, also serving as an MEP for the Brexit Party and later as an immigration and justice spokesperson for Reform UK. She also gained public recognition through appearances on reality television shows like "Strictly Come Dancing" and "Celebrity Big Brother." The news of her death has sent shockwaves across British politics.