Police investigate death of former Conservative minister Ann Widdecombe as murder in Devon

Detective Chief Inspector Ilona Rosson, the spokesperson for the investigation, said officers are "deploying all of the necessary resources to find out exactly what has happened and to locate the person responsible." Forensic examinations at Widdecombe's property were ongoing, and officers said they were not ruling out any line of inquiry in the early stages of the case.

Police say no political motive identified

Initial consultation with counter-terrorism officers led police to rule out a terrorist motive. Deputy Chief Constable Matt Longman told a press conference in Exeter that there was currently no information to suggest the killing was politically motivated. "I have no elements that would make me think of a politically motivated crime," Longman said, while adding: "We are in the early stages of the investigation, so at this time we are not ruling out any hypothesis."

The suspect is believed to be a white male, according to Rosson. Police have appealed for information from anyone who may have been in the Haytor area on Thursday.

A long career in public life

Widdecombe was a familiar figure in British politics for more than three decades. She served as MP for Maidstone in Kent for 23 years and held junior ministerial posts in John Major's Conservative government between 1992 and 1997. She later became a Member of the European Parliament and, more recently, served as an immigration and justice spokeswoman for Reform UK, the populist party led by Nigel Farage.

Reform UK leader Farage released a video message on social media describing Widdecombe as an "extraordinary" woman of "sound principles." He said he was "deeply, deeply saddened by the circumstances of her death" and had expected to meet her in the coming days. "She was kind to everyone. Frankly, she was a person who dedicated her life to public service, to fighting for the things she believed in," Farage said, adding that Widdecombe "would not have hurt a fly." "Our nation is a much, much poorer place without her. Reform UK is certainly a much worse place without her."

Political reaction

Widdecombe, a staunch Brexiteer known for her socially conservative views and bluntness, also found wider popularity through appearances on reality competition shows in the years after leaving frontline politics.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer paid tribute to Widdecombe's dedication during her many years of public service and described the killing as "shocking news." Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said she was "horrified" by the "horrible" incident.

The investigation is continuing. Police have urged anyone with information to come forward as forensic teams continue to work at the scene in Haytor.