Kemi Badenoch’s shock at ‘nasty, horrific’ murder of Ann Widdecombe as Prime Minister calls suspect ‘dangerous’: Live updates

The likely prime minister and Makerfield MP Andy Burnham has shared his sympathies with Ann Widdecombe’s family.

A spokesperson for Andy Burnham said: ‘Andy’s deepest condolences and thoughts are with Ann’s family today, in incredibly distressing circumstances.

‘Ann gave a lifetime of public service, and it’s absolutely right that the police put all their resources into investigating this as swiftly as possible.’

Sir Ed Davey, the Liberal Democrat leader, said he was ‘really shocked and distressed’ after police announced they launched a murder investigation into Ann Widdecombe’s death.

Writing on social media, the Lib Dem leader said: ‘I’m really shocked and distressed at the news about Ann Widdecombe.

‘She was a woman of deep faith who devoted her life to public service. The idea that she could have been murdered is truly horrifying.

‘My thoughts and prayers are with her family and all who loved her.’

Strictly Come Dancing’s Anton Du Beke has said he is ‘devastated’ to hear that Ann Widdecombe has died.

The pair were partnered together on the BBC One dancing programme in 2010.

In a video shared on X prior to police announcing they had launched a murder investigation into her death, he said: ‘I had the most brilliant time with Ann on Strictly Come Dancing.

‘She became a real friend. She was fun. She was upbeat. She was positive. She was supportive.

‘We had an incredible time together and we stayed firm friends.

‘My thoughts go out to all of her nearest and dearest and all her family. This is a sad day and I’m devastated by the news of Ann’s passing but I shall remember her fondly, and miss her.’

Police cars have been pictured at Ann Widdecombe’s house this afternoon, as a manhunt continues following her death.

Officers have launched a murder probe and say they are looking for a ‘white male’ suspect.

Kemi Badenoch said she was ‘stunned’ to hear police had opened a murder inquiry after the death of ‘fun, feisty’ Ann Widdecombe.

The Conservative leader told reporters: ‘I’ve been stunned to hear this awful news.

‘To be honest, I’ve really struggled to find the words to say. Ann Widdecombe was a very fun and feisty woman who spoke her mind and she was 78 years old, she was an elderly woman.

‘I don’t understand how someone could do something so horrific to an elderly person. It was a nasty, horrific attack and my heart is breaking for her family.

‘It’s one thing when someone dies, but to know that they’ve been murdered in this horrible way is just awful.

‘The Conservative Party is reeling. Ann was a long-standing member of the Conservative Party, she was a Conservative minister, and then she moved to Reform.

‘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.’

Asked whether Ann Widdecombe’s murder is believed to have been politically motivated, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the security of politicians ‘is of the utmost importance’ but he would not speculate on any potential motive.

The Prime Minister said: ‘It’s really important we remain vigilant. I’m not going to speculate about this particular case.

‘The chief constable has briefed me on the details as they’re known at the moment, but I think it’s very important for us to have in our thoughts the family and friends of Ann Widdecombe and, to be clear, the single most important thing at the moment is that the suspect is apprehended as quickly as possible by the police.

‘And I urge everybody listening or watching this who’s got any information at all which may be of assistance to the police to come forward to make sure that someone who is clearly dangerous is apprehended as quickly as possible, and the police investigation can proceed on that basis.’

Police have so far confirmed few details about the circumstances surrounding Ann Widdecombe’s death.

We are expecting more details at a press conference shortly, which had been scheduled for 4.30pm but has now been pushed back to 5pm.

So far, Detective Chief Inspector Ilona Rosson has said: ‘Our murder enquiry is in its early stages but moving at a significant pace. We are deploying all of the necessary resources to find out exactly what has happened and to locate the person responsible who we believe to be a white male.

‘I would appeal to anyone who may have information about this incident, however insignificant it may seem, to come forward and speak with us.

‘We are particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have seen anything suspicious in the vicinity of Haytor Vale, Haytor, or anyone with CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage which could assist with our investigation.’

Sir Keir Starmer said it was a moment to ‘rise above any political differences’ and said he had spoken to Nigel Farage, Andy Burnham and Kemi Badenoch after police launched a murder investigation into Ann Widdecombe’s death.

The Prime Minister urged anyone with information to help police get the suspect into custody.

The Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has described the circumstances of Ann Widdecombe’s death as ‘extremely distressing’.

In a post on X, Shabana Mahmood said: ‘I am deeply saddened to hear of the death of Ann Widdecombe. The circumstances of her death are extremely distressing and my thoughts are with Ann’s family and loved ones.

‘Ann’s dedication to public service was decades long, and she was a true servant of her constituents.

‘I have spoken to the Chief Constable of Devon and Cornwall police today. The Home Office stands ready to provide whatever support they need with their ongoing investigation.

‘I urge everyone to avoid speculation and allow the police investigation to progress.’

Ann Widdecombe was found dead at home by her carer, it is understood.

The politician, known for her outspoken conservative views and ardent Christian faith, was said to have been found covered in blood at her home in Haytor, Dartmoor on Thursday morning.

An ambulance crew contacted police at 11.40am and a murder probe was launched.

Officers went to Miss Widdecombe’s home and spoke to a carer who worked for her and is believed to have found her body.