Police arrested a 28-year-old man in South Yorkshire on suspicion of murdering Ann Widdecombe, the former Conservative minister and Reform UK spokesperson, Devon and Cornwall Police announced Saturday.
"The suspect, who is a white British national, is now in police custody," a statement from Devon and Cornwall Police said. The arrest took place at an address approximately 270 miles from Widdecombe's home in Haytor, Devon.
Widdecombe, 78, was found with serious injuries at her Devon property at 11:40 BST on Thursday. Police believe she was attacked nearly 24 hours before she was found. Her management team announced her death on Friday.
A previous arrest had been made earlier in the investigation. A 26-year-old man was taken into custody in Newton Abbot, about 11 miles from Widdecombe's home, on suspicion of murder, but was released on Saturday. Police said he was "no longer part of the investigation."
Counter-terrorism officers were initially involved in the case. However, Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman said they ruled out terrorism after finding no information to suggest her death was a "politically motivated crime." Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed Saturday that counter-terrorism officers from the North East had assisted in making the latest arrest.
"At this time, there is still no information to suggest that this is a terrorism related incident and as a force we retain primacy of the investigation," the force said in its statement.
ACC Longman explained why police had not released descriptions of potential suspects or CCTV footage. "Releasing such information prematurely could compromise ongoing enquiries and may prejudice future investigative opportunities," he said.
A significant police presence remained around Widdecombe's Devon property over the weekend, with forensic officers seen arriving at the scene. Police said Widdecombe's family had been kept informed of updates.
Widdecombe served as Conservative MP for Maidstone in Kent from 1987 to 2010 and held government posts including employment, prisons, and Home Office minister under Prime Minister John Major between 1994 and 1997. She later served as shadow health secretary and shadow home secretary. After leaving Parliament, she appeared on BBC's Strictly Come Dancing in 2010 and was a runner-up on Celebrity Big Brother in 2018. She joined Reform UK in 2023.
Police said the investigation remains live and active, and no further information would be issued Saturday night.
