Police have launched a murder investigation into the death of Ann Widdecombe, the former Conservative minister and Reform UK spokeswoman, who was found dead at her home on Dartmoor on Thursday morning. Officers were called to her residence in Haytor, Devon, by the ambulance service and discovered the 78-year-old with serious injuries.

Widdecombe's death was initially announced on Friday morning by her management team, who stated the news would come as a shock to her many colleagues and friends. However, details regarding the circumstances, time, or location of her death were not immediately provided, nor was any information about suspicious circumstances.

Later on Friday afternoon, Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed they had opened a murder investigation and were actively searching for a suspect. The management team subsequently released a further statement expressing devastation at the news of the police investigation, describing the preceding 24 hours as traumatic and upsetting.

Authorities are seeking a white male suspect in connection with the case, which they described as progressing at a significant pace. Police have urged anyone who may have seen anything suspicious in the vicinity of Haytor Vale or Haytor, or who possesses relevant CCTV, doorbell, or dashcam footage, to come forward. Additional uniformed officers have been deployed to the area to assist with inquiries and provide reassurance to residents.

Detective Chief Inspector Ilona Rosson appealed for public assistance, stating, "This is an extremely tragic incident and our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of Ann Widdecombe at this difficult time." She implored anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it might seem, to contact the police.

Ann Widdecombe had a long and varied career. Born in Bath in 1947, she studied at Birmingham and Oxford universities before entering politics. She served as the Member of Parliament for Maidstone for 23 years and held positions as a Home Office and employment minister under Prime Minister John Major from 1994 to 1997.

Following her parliamentary career, Widdecombe transitioned into a public and media figure, participating in reality television shows such as "Strictly Come Dancing" in 2010 and "Celebrity Big Brother" in 2018. A prominent supporter of Brexit, she later served as an MEP for the Brexit Party, representing South West England from 2019 to 2020.

In 2023, she joined Nigel Farage's Reform UK party, becoming a spokesperson for immigration and justice issues. Her death and the subsequent murder investigation mark a significant and tragic event for her political and public life.