Former MEP of the European Parliament Ann Widdecombe was found with serious injuries in her home on July 9. She later died from those injuries and a man, 26, is in custody on suspicion of murder. She was a former Conservative party minister who became the Reform UK spokeswoman. She was 78 years old.
Police for Devon and Cornwall were quick to state the race and sex of the suspect, saying that he was a white, British male. They noted that they have "no information" as to whether the crime was politically motivated, notes the BBC. The investigation is underway. "At this time I have got no information to believe that that is a politically motivated crime," said police in a press conference. They have asked the public for any information they may have.
"This is really shocking news," said outgoing Prime Minister Keir Starmer, "and my thoughts, I think all of our thoughts, will be with the family and friends of Ann Widdecombe at this awful time for them. Ann was a distinguished politician over many, many years with many achievements, and it's a huge, huge loss."
Starmer, a Labour Party member, said further that it was "really important that this is a moment where we rise above any political differences, the political divide, and say the single most important thing at the moment is that all of us and the public help the police identify the individual suspected and make sure he's arrested as quickly as possible. He's clearly dangerous and I implore everybody who's got any information in relation to him to help the police with their inquiries, get him into police custody."
"The Conservative party is reeling. Ann was a longstanding member of the Conservative party, she was a Conservative minister, and then she moved to Reform," said Kemi Badenoch. "I’m sure they’re just as stunned as we are, and I extend my condolences to Nigel Farage and everyone in Reform on behalf of the Conservative party, because we’ve both lost a friend."
Among the condolences were posts in favor of her death. Trans extremists celebrated her death on social media. The Socialist Workers Party also celebrated her death.
Police for Devon and Cornwall were quick to state the race and sex of the suspect, saying that he was a white, British male. They noted that they have "no information" as to whether the crime was politically motivated, notes the BBC. The investigation is underway. "At this time I have got no information to believe that that is a politically motivated crime," said police in a press conference. They have asked the public for any information they may have.
"This is really shocking news," said outgoing Prime Minister Keir Starmer, "and my thoughts, I think all of our thoughts, will be with the family and friends of Ann Widdecombe at this awful time for them. Ann was a distinguished politician over many, many years with many achievements, and it's a huge, huge loss."
Starmer, a Labour Party member, said further that it was "really important that this is a moment where we rise above any political differences, the political divide, and say the single most important thing at the moment is that all of us and the public help the police identify the individual suspected and make sure he's arrested as quickly as possible. He's clearly dangerous and I implore everybody who's got any information in relation to him to help the police with their inquiries, get him into police custody."
"The Conservative party is reeling. Ann was a longstanding member of the Conservative party, she was a Conservative minister, and then she moved to Reform," said Kemi Badenoch. "I’m sure they’re just as stunned as we are, and I extend my condolences to Nigel Farage and everyone in Reform on behalf of the Conservative party, because we’ve both lost a friend."
Among the condolences were posts in favor of her death. Trans extremists celebrated her death on social media. The Socialist Workers Party also celebrated her death.
