UK police have released a 26-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murdering Ann Widdecombe, a 78-year-old former government minister.
Miss Widdecombe was a Conservative member of parliament between 1987 and 2010, and held several junior ministerial positions in former prime minister John Major’s government.
Police said they were called to Miss Widdecombe’s address about midday on Thursday where she was found to have suffered serious injuries and died.
In a statement, Devon and Cornwall Police said the man had been released from custody and was “no longer part of the investigation”.
Ann Widdecombe was found dead at her home. She had suffered serious injuries. (AP: Matt Keeble/PA)
The arrest was part of a “fast-moving investigation”, police added.
“Our priority remains identifying those responsible and ensuring that all available evidence is thoroughly examined,” Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman said.
“Detectives continue to carry out numerous enquiries as part of the ongoing investigation and we remain committed to establishing the full circumstances surrounding the incident.”
He said road closures and forensic examinations remained at the scene of Miss Widdecombe’s house.
Road closures remain outside the former MP’s home. (AP: Matt Keeble/PA)
Public urged not to speculate on social media
Assistant Chief Constable Longman also urged the public not to speculate about the former MP’s death, especially on social media.
“This is not only potentially harmful to our investigation but also deeply distressing for family and friends of Miss Widdecombe,” he said.
“The family have also asked for their privacy to be respected as they come to terms with what has happened.”
The assistant chief constable urged those with any information to come forward.
“Our murder enquiry is in its early stages but moving at a significant pace,” he added.
“We are deploying all of the necessary resources to find out exactly what has happened.”
Earlier, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer had urged the nation to “come together across the political divide” in tribute to Miss Widdecombe’s public service.
Throughout her political career, Miss Widdecombe was known for her socially conservative views, including opposition to abortion and to equalising the age of consent for homosexual and heterosexual relationships.
She also defended a policy of shackling pregnant prisoners during childbirth to prevent their escape.
After leaving parliament, she appeared on the TV talent show Strictly Come Dancing in 2010.
Despite her awkward dancing style and criticism from the judges, she was popular with viewers.
She later joined Nigel Farage’s Brexit Party and served as a member of the European parliament between 2019 and 2020. Her most recent post was as immigration spokesperson for Reform UK, the rebranded Brexit Party, which leads in most opinion polls.
