British police have launched a murder investigation after Ann Widdecombe, a 78-year-old former government minister and Reform UK politician, was found dead in her home in Devon, southwest England. Police were called to her address around midday on Thursday, where she was discovered to have sustained serious injuries. While there was initially no suggestion of suspicious circumstances when her death was announced Friday morning, authorities have since launched a murder inquiry.
A 26-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murdering the former lawmaker. Devon and Cornwall Police Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman stated that initial inquiries suggest the killing was not an act of terror, and there is no information to suggest it was politically motivated.
Widdecombe served as a Member of Parliament in the House of Commons from 1987 to 2010. She was known for her socially conservative views, including her opposition to abortion rights and the expansion of LGBTQ+ rights.