Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has praised the former minister’s “conviction and dedication”, while political figures in Wales remembered her as fearless, honest and a powerful public speaker
WELSH politicians have joined tributes to former Conservative minister and Reform UK campaigner Ann Widdecombe after police launched a murder investigation into her death.
The 78-year-old was found dead with serious injuries at her home in Haytor, on the edge of Dartmoor in Devon, at around midday on Thursday, July 9.
Devon and Cornwall Police said officers were called to the address by the ambulance service.
A murder inquiry has now been launched, with police seeking a white male believed to be connected with her death.
Detective Chief Inspector Ilona Rosson said the investigation was in its early stages but was moving at a significant pace.
She said: “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.”
A cordon remains around the property while specialist officers carry out forensic examinations.
Police have appealed for anyone with information, or with CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage from the Haytor Vale area, to come forward.
Officers have also urged people not to speculate online while the investigation continues.
Prime Minister pays tribute
A spokeswoman for Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described Widdecombe as “a distinctive figure in British politics”.
She said the Prime Minister was saddened by her death and “pays tribute to the conviction and dedication with which she served her country”.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood described the circumstances surrounding Widdecombe’s death as “extremely distressing”.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch called her a “formidable politician” who was never afraid to speak her mind.
She said: “My deepest condolences and those of the Conservative Party to the family and friends of Ann Widdecombe.
“She was a formidable politician who was never afraid to speak her mind and fought hard for what she believed.
“Always true to herself, her politics were strongly guided by her faith and her values. Rest in peace, Ann.”
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said Widdecombe’s decision to stand for the Brexit Party in the 2019 European elections had been a major boost to the campaign.
He said: “The voters loved her. She played a decisive role in getting Brexit over the line and will be missed by us all.”
Tributes from Wales
Reform UK Wales said it was “incredibly sad” to hear of Widdecombe’s death.
The party described her as “a true patriot and a fierce champion of Brexit”, noting her prominent involvement with both the Brexit Party and Reform UK.
Reform UK Senedd member Laura Anne Jones said she had met and listened to Widdecombe speak on several occasions.
She described her as “a true powerhouse and a very clever and eloquent speaker”, who always stood up powerfully for her beliefs.
Ms Jones added that her thoughts were with Widdecombe’s family and friends.
Fellow Reform UK Senedd member Llŷr Powell said he first met Widdecombe during the Brexit Party campaign in 2019.
He described her as “a true force in British politics, principled, fearless and never afraid to stand up for what she believed in”.
Former Welsh Conservative leader Andrew RT Davies also paid tribute.
He said: “I’m so sorry to hear Ann Widdecombe has died.
“You always knew where you stood with Ann. She was honest, straight-talking and always sincere in her beliefs.”
The Welsh reaction reflects Widdecombe’s continued influence within Reform UK, which has become a significant force in Senedd politics.
Although she never represented a Welsh constituency, she campaigned alongside politicians who later became leading figures in Reform UK Wales and remained one of the party’s best-known national spokespeople.
Long political career
Widdecombe served as Conservative MP for Maidstone and later Maidstone and The Weald from 1987 until 2010.
She held several ministerial positions under former prime minister Sir John Major, including employment minister and prisons minister.
Known for her socially conservative views and forceful debating style, she became one of Westminster’s most recognisable personalities.
She famously criticised former Conservative leader Michael Howard by saying there was “something of the night” about him.
After leaving the House of Commons, Widdecombe became widely known to a new audience through television appearances, including Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother.
A prominent Eurosceptic, she left the Conservatives and joined Nigel Farage’s Brexit Party in 2019.
She was elected to the European Parliament for South West England and served as an MEP until the United Kingdom left the European Union.
She later became involved with Reform UK and remained an active campaigner and media commentator until shortly before her death.
Her management company said her life had been driven by strong Christian values and a commitment to public service.
It said: “Ann was a valued patron of many causes, particularly her animal charities.
“A consummate professional and a delight to work with, indefatigable to the last, we know this news will come as a great shock to the many colleagues and friends she made along the way.”
No arrests had been announced at the time of publication.
Anyone with information should contact Devon and Cornwall Police, quoting Operation Hunlen.
