Ann Widdecombe was an ardent Brexit supporter.Image: keystone
July 10, 2026, 8:11 p.mJuly 10, 2026, 8:11 p.m
Britain is puzzled over the death of Ann Widdecombe. The long-time MP and die-hard Brexit supporter was found dead in her home in Haytor in the English county of Devon on Thursday. According to police, the 78-year-old had serious injuries. Now the police are investigating murder.
According to current information, the police believe that a “white man” is the suspected perpetrator. “Our murder investigation is still at an early stage but is progressing at a rapid pace,” said Detective Chief Inspector Ilona Rosson, according to the statement.
Every means is being used to clarify the circumstances and find the suspected perpetrator as quickly as possible. The police initially did not provide any further information about the possible circumstances of the crime.
Interior Minister Mahmood: Circumstances “extremely shocking”
Widdecombe was a member of the Conservative Party in the British Parliament for years and eventually sat as a member of the European Parliament for the Brexit Party as a staunch supporter of leaving the EU. The politician, who converted to Catholicism, also represented ultra-conservative views. For example, she called for the reintroduction of the death penalty, spoke out against same-sex marriage and the self-determination of trans people about their gender.
She was also no stranger to British entertainment television: Widdecombe appeared on the dance show “Strictly Come Dancing” and on “Celebrity Big Brother”.
Interior Minister Shabana Mahmood described the death of the former MP as “extremely shocking”. “The Home Office is prepared to provide any support required in the ongoing investigation,” the Labor politician wrote in an X article. She called on the public to avoid speculation. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer was also dismayed and, according to the PA news agency, spoke of “very shocking news”. (sda/dpa)