Man arrested on suspicion of murdering ex-UK minister Ann Widdecombe

British police arrested a man on Friday on suspicion of murdering Ann Widdecombe, after the 78-year-old former government minister and Reform UK politician was found dead having “sustained serious injuries”.

Police said a 26-year-old, white ‌British man had been arrested in Newton Abbot, a town about 15km (nine miles) from Widdecombe’s home in rural southwest England.

Devon and Cornwall police assistant chief constable Matt Longman said there was no information to suggest the murder was related to terrorism or had a political motive.

Widdecombe was well known for her socially conservative views, first as a junior minister in Conservative prime minister John Major’s 1992-1997 government and later as an immigration and justice spokeswoman for Nigel Farage’s populist Reform UK.

Police said officers were called to Widdecombe’s home shortly after ⁠midday on Thursday, where she was found dead. Forensic examinations at the property were ongoing, they said.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer paid tribute to “Ann’s dedication ‌during her many years of public service”.