A MURDER investigation has been launched into the suspicious death of former MP and MEP Ann Widdecombe.
In a statement, Devon and Cornwall Police said they have launched a manhunt for a white male believed to be responsible.
The ex-Tory prisons minister, who was 78, later became a Brexit Party MEP and subsequently a Reform UK spokeswoman.
She also found fame outside politics after starring in Strictly Come Dancing.
Devon and Cornwall Police are expected to issue an update on her death later on Friday afternoon.
A spokesman for the coroner’s office for the county of Devon, Plymouth and Torbay said: “Preliminary inquiries are ongoing.”
Widdecombe, who appeared on Talk radio on Wednesday, lived in Haytor, near Newton Abbott in Devon.
Devon and Cornwall Police said officers were called to an address in Haytor at 11.40am on Thursday and found Widdecombe dead, having sustained serious injuries.
Detective Chief Inspector Ilona Rosson said: “This is an extremely tragic incident and our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of Ann Widdecombe at this difficult time.
“Our murder inquiry is in its early stages but moving at a significant pace. We are deploying all of the necessary resources to find out exactly what has happened and to locate the person responsible who we believe to be a white male.”
The Home Secretary urged the public not to speculate, describing the circumstances as “extremely distressing”.
In a post on Twitter/X, Shabana Mahmood said: “I am deeply saddened to hear of the death of Ann Widdecombe. The circumstances of her death are extremely distressing and my thoughts are with Ann’s family and loved ones.
“Ann’s dedication to public service was decades long, and she was a true servant of her constituents.
“I have spoken to the Chief Constable of Devon and Cornwall police today. The Home Office stands ready to provide whatever support they need with their ongoing investigation.
“I urge everyone to avoid speculation and allow the police investigation to progress.”
Widdecombe’s management firm Cloud 9 urged people with information to contact the police and said: “We are absolutely devastated by this news following a very traumatic and upsetting 24 hours.”
Speaking to reporters at Chequers, Keir Starmer said it was important to “rise above any political differences” and focus on catching Ann Widdecombe’s killer.
Asked whether Ann Widdecombe’s murder is believed to have been politically motivated, the Prime Minister said the security of politicians “is of the utmost importance” but he would not speculate on any potential motive.
Starmer added: “It’s really important we remain vigilant. I’m not going to speculate about this particular case.
“The chief constable has briefed me on the details as they’re known at the moment, but I think it’s very important for us to have in our thoughts the family and friends of Ann Widdecombe and, to be clear, the single most important thing at the moment is that the suspect is apprehended as quickly as possible by the police.
