Police arrest man on suspicion of murder of Ann Widdecombe
8 reported3 unconfirmed
Devon and Cornwall police have arrested a man on suspicion of murder following the death of former Conservative MP and Brexit Party MEP Ann Widdecombe, according to a live blog report. Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman stated there is “no information” at this time to suggest the crime was politically motivated, and the incident is not being treated as a terrorist incident, though counter-terrorism policing was consulted. The inquiry is described as being in its early stages but moving at significant pace. Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the suspect “clearly dangerous” and urged the public to help police with information. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the circumstances of Widdecombe’s death are “extremely distressing” and urged against online speculation. Tributes have been paid by political figures including Andy Burnham, Ed Davey, and Stella Creasy, as well as by Anton Du Beke, who partnered Widdecombe on Strictly Come Dancing. Widdecombe’s management team, Cloud9 Management, said they were “absolutely devastated” by the news.
What’s reported
A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder of Ann Widdecombe.
Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman said there is “no information” to suggest the crime was politically motivated.
The incident is not being treated as a terrorist incident, though counter-terrorism policing was consulted.
The inquiry is in its early stages but moving at significant pace.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the suspect as “clearly dangerous” and urged the public to help police.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood called the circumstances “extremely distressing” and urged against speculation.
Tributes were paid by Andy Burnham, Ed Davey, Keir Starmer, Stella Creasy, and Anton Du Beke.
Widdecombe’s management team, Cloud9 Management, said they were “absolutely devastated.”
Open questions
The identity of the arrested suspect.
The exact circumstances and cause of Widdecombe’s death.
The time and location of the murder.
Key figures
Ann Widdecombe (former Conservative MP and Brexit Party MEP, deceased)
Matt Longman (Assistant Chief Constable, Devon and Cornwall police)
Keir Starmer (Prime Minister)
Shabana Mahmood (Home Secretary)
Andy Burnham (spokesperson quoted)
Ed Davey (Liberal Democrat leader)
Stella Creasy (Labour MP)
Anton Du Beke (former Strictly Come Dancing partner)
Tim Montgomerie (former ConservativeHome founder, Reform UK member)
Cloud9 Management (Widdecombe’s management team)
Sources: The Guardian
