Man arrested over murder of MP-turned TV star
A 28-year-old man was arrested on Saturday evening (London time) in South Yorkshire, England, “on suspicion of the murder” of former UK lawmaker Ann Widdecombe, according to British police.
“The suspect, who is a white British national, is now in police custody,” the statement from Devon and Cornwall Police said.
Ann Widdecombe was found dead on Thursday. AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth
“Miss Widdecombe’s family have been informed of this development.
“We were supported by Counter Terrorism Policing North East and South Yorkshire Police who carried out the arrest on behalf of Devon & Cornwall Police,” the statement continued.
The police said that there is no information to suggest Widdecombe’s murder was an act of terrorism or politically motivated.
The former lawmaker was found dead at her home in Haytor, Devon, on Thursday.
Police say they believe Widdecombe died the day before her body was discovered.
She had “sustained serious injuries,” Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman said in an earlier statement.
Police outside the house of former lawmaker Ann Widdecombe, in Haytor, England PA
Saturday’s arrest is the second in the investigation into Widdecombe’s death.
On Friday, police arrested then released a 26-year-old from custody. That man “is no longer part of the investigation,” police said.
Widdecombe, 78, was a former Conservative Member of Parliament, government minister and fixture on British television.
In 2019, she was elected to European Parliament as a member of right-wing lawmaker Nigel Farage’s Brexit Party.
After the UK formally withdrew from the EU, she served as the immigration spokesperson for the Brexit Party’s successor organisation Reform UK.
Widdecombe also became popular outside politics and appeared on Celebrity Big Brother and Strictly Come Dancing.
Ann Widdecombe’s partner on the dance show, Anton du Becke said the show team were “devastated”. BBC
Her partner on the dance show in 2010, Anton du Becke, said the show team were “devastated”.
The pair became popular with viewers for their funny routines.
“She was fun, she was upbeat, she was positive, she was supportive, she was game - she wanted to enter into the spirit of the whole thing and we had an incredible time together,” he said.
Farage released a statement on Instagram mourning Widdecombe on Friday, saying that she “gave her life to public service”.
Farage visited Devon on Saturday to lay a wreath for Widdecombe, according to UK news agency PA Media.
Reform’s MPs are now being given 24-hour security protection following Widdecombe’s death, PA reported.
The security is being paid for by the party and was offered for fear of similar attacks.
- reported with CNN.
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