Police probe murder of ex-Tory minister, Reform spokeswoman and Strictly Come Dancing star Ann Widdecombe

Tributes have been paid to Ann Widdecombe, the former MP and MEP who also featured on Strictly Come Dancing her death at the age of 78.

Her body was discovered covered in blood during the early hours today at her Devon home but this afternoon police announced that her death is being treated as murder.

Police are said to be investigating whether her murder might be politically motivated.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said it was a moment to “rise above any political differences” and said he had spoken to Nigel Farage, Andy Burnham and Kemi Badenoch after police launched a murder investigation into Ann Widdecombe’s death.

A spokesman for Prime Minister in waiting Andy Burnham added: “Andy’s deepest condolences and thoughts are with Ann’s family today, in incredibly distressing circumstances.

“Ann gave a lifetime of public service, and it’s absolutely right that the police put all their resources into investigating this as swiftly as possible.”

Sir Ed Davey, the Liberal Democrat leader, said he was “really shocked and distressed” after police announced they launched a murder investigation into Ann Widdecombe’s death.

Writing on social media, he said: “I’m really shocked and distressed at the news about Ann Widdecombe.

“She was a woman of deep faith who devoted her life to public service. The idea that she could have been murdered is truly horrifying.

“My thoughts and prayers are with her family and all who loved her.”

He urged anyone with information to help police get the suspect into custody.

Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said she was “stunned” to hear police had opened a murder inquiry after the death of Ann Widdecombe.

The Conservative leader told reporters: “I’ve been stunned to hear this awful news.

“To be honest, I’ve really struggled to find the words to say. 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.

“It’s one thing when someone dies, but to know that they’ve been murdered in this horrible way is just awful.

“The Conservative Party is reeling. Ann was a long-standing member of the Conservative Party, she was a Conservative minister, and then she moved to Reform.

“I’m sure they’re just as stunned as we are, and I extend my condolences to Nigel Farage and everyone in Reform on behalf of the Conservative Party, because we’ve both lost a friend.”

Devon and Cornwall Police are expected to hold a press conference later today.

The former Tory minister later joined Reform UK and Nigel Farage said she played a “decisive role” in getting the UK out of the European Union.

Her connection to Lancashire dates back to the beginning of her political career, when she unsuccessfully contested the Burnley parliamentary seat in the 1979 general election.

Although she was ultimately defeated by Labour, she used her local campaign as a springboard for her successful election as MP for Maidstone in 1987, going on to hold several ministerial positions in Sir John Major’s government, such as Prisons Minister and becoming a prominent television personality.

She famously clashed with her Conservative colleague Michael Howard, when she was a Home Office minister and he home secretary, describing him as having “something of the night about him”.

Miss Widdecombe also faced flak for defending a policy of chaining pregnant prisoners to their beds.

In her post-Commons career, she appeared on the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing in 2010, partnered with Anton du Beke, and survived until the competition’s semi-finals thanks to the public vote.

She became a member of Mr Farage’s Brexit Party from 2019 and served as an MEP representing South West England in Brussels between 2019 and 2020.

Mr Farage said: “When Ann Widdecombe decided to stand for The Brexit Party in the snap 2019 European Elections, it was a big moment and huge boost.

“The voters loved her. She played a decisive role in getting Brexit over the line and will be missed by us all.”

A statement from her management said: “It is with great sadness that today we announce the death of the Rt Hon Ann Widdecombe, DSG.

“We send our deepest condolences to Ann’s family and friends. We ask that the family’s wish not to be contacted at this sad time is respected.”

Cloud9 Management, who represented her for more than a decade, said she would be missed “greatly”.

It read: “Her life and career were driven by her strong Christian values and commitment to public service.

“She loved the cut and thrust of political debate and, 16 years after leaving Parliament, was still actively campaigning for Reform UK and offering forthright views on the hot topics of the day across numerous radio and television programmes.

“Ann was a valued patron of many causes, particularly her animal charities.

“As Ann once said on The Graham Norton Show, ‘we get one go this side of eternity, one go. Life is not a dress rehearsal, you take opportunities that you like and you go for it, that’s my philosophy’.”

In 2010, she appeared as a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing, before being eliminated in week 10 and finishing sixth overall with an appearance at Blackpool during her time on the show.

Strictly’s Anton Du Beke has said he is “devastated” to hear that Ann had died.

In a video shared on X prior to police announcing they had launched a murder investigation into her death, he said: “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. She was supportive.

“We had an incredible time together and we stayed firm friends.

“My thoughts go out to all of her nearest and dearest and all her family. This is a sad day and I’m devastated by the news of Ann’s passing but I shall remember her fondly, and miss her.”

She was also known for her socially conservative views, which included opposing the legality of abortion and widening rights for the LGBT community during her Commons career.

She claimed to have no interest in sex, and never married.

Defence minister Luke Pollard, Labour MP for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport, said: “Ann stood against me in the 2019 General Election. As a gay remainer, let’s just say we didn’t see eye to eye on some important issues.

“Despite the disagreements she was always polite and courteous. She was one of politics’ characters.”

Health Secretary James Murray said Miss Widdecombe was “never shy of having quite firm views” and everyone “can recognise the contribution that she made to politics”.

He told Times Radio: “I think she’s been such a large part of our politics for many years. I mean, she was never shy of having quite firm views and sharing them quite willingly, and I can’t say I always agreed with her views, but she was such a part of our politics.

“I think everyone can kind of recognise the contribution that she made to politics and the role that she played in our public life.”