UK police free suspect in ex-MP Ann Widdecombe murder investigation

Devon and Cornwall Police released a suspect in the death of former government minister Ann Widdecombe after determining he was not involved in the case. The 26-year-old was arrested in Newton Abbot on Friday, approximately 14.5 kilometres from Widdecombe's residence, and freed the following day.

Investigators established that the 78-year-old sustained fatal injuries on Wednesday around 11:30 GMT. Her body was discovered the next day when ambulance workers responded to her home in rural southwest England. The timing indicates a significant gap between the attack and discovery of her remains.

Police stated they found no indicators linking the death to terrorism or political motivation. Officers also noted the suspected perpetrator was believed to be a white male and that no broader public safety threat existed. Widdecombe had served as a junior minister under Prime Minister John Major and later as an immigration spokesperson for Reform UK, a far-right populist party led by Nigel Farage.

Her death prompted widespread tributes from across the British political spectrum, including statements from Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Farage, who praised her as "an extraordinary woman" committed to her convictions. The incident marks another tragedy affecting British lawmakers, following the 2016 murder of Labour MP Jo Cox and the 2021 killing of Conservative MP David Amess.