A 26-YEAR-OLD man has been arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with the death of former Conservative MP Ann Widdecombe.

The 78-year-old former Tory minister turned Reform UK politician & TV star was found dead at her Dartmoor home yesterday.

It is understood she was found covered in blood after sustaining a serious head wound.

Devon and Cornwall Police this afternoon announced they have launched a murder investigation into Ms Widdecombe’s death.

In a press conference, Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman confirmed a 26-year-old white British national had been arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with the death.

Cops said the suspect was taken into custody in Newton Abbot, just 11 miles away from Ms Widdecombe’s house.

What you need to know…

• Ann Widdecombe, 78, has been found dead at her Devon home
• The politician’s carer reportedly found her body
• A 26-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder
• He was taken into custody just 11 miles away from her house
• Cops say they have “no information” to suggest it was politically motivated
• The Home Secretary said the circumstances are “extremely distressing”
• What we know about her cause of death as cops launch murder probe
• Who are her family? From the late politician’s parents to her Anglican reverend brother, everything you need to know
• Anton Du Beke has spoken out about the death of his friend and former Strictly Come Dancing partner

He went on to tell reporters that there was “no information” at this time to suggest the murder was a “politically motivated crime.”

When asked if the suspect was known to the victim, Ms Widdecombe, he replied: “We remain open-minded throughout the investigation, and we’re making those enquiries.

“So [it is] too early for me to comment further on that at this time.”

And, when asked if anything was stolen from the property, the chief constable added: “The key thing I think for us is obviously all our efforts today are focused on this investigation to get the right outcome for her family, friends, but also to make our communities feel safe and confident that we have some of the best officers working on it.”

Chief Constable Matt Longman continued: “We can confirm that a 26-year-old man was arrested at an address in Newton Abbot this afternoon on suspicion of the murder of Ann Widdecombe.

“The suspect, who is a white British national, remains in police custody while enquiries continue. It is not being treated as terrorism.

“A cordon remains at the property and locals will see significant police presence in the area. This is an extremely tragic incident.”

Detective Chief Inspector Ilona Rosson said in a statement earlier today: “This is an extremely tragic incident and our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of Ann at this difficult time.

“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.”

Officers attended Ms Widdecombe’s home and spoke to a carer who worked for the former MP and is believed to have found her body.

Details of the suspicious circumstances of her death had been kept under wraps over concerns of foul play.

Police have sealed off the road leading to her Dartmoor home, near Newton Abbott.

Officers are carrying out an extensive forensic examination of the property and are also searching the surrounding area.

A spokesman for the coroner’s office for the county of Devon, Plymouth and Torbay said: “Preliminary inquiries are ongoing.” 

Ms Widdecombe’s management said they are “absolutely devastated” by the news that cops have launched a murder investigation into her death, a statement said.

Cloud9 Management said the former MP “loved the cut and thrust of political debate” and was a “consummate professional”.

Susan Coysh, who is Ann Widdecombe’s neighbour, told the BBC she was “devastated” to hear of the former politician’s death.

She added: “I’m shocked. In this lovely setting where we live. I can’t see why anybody would want to hurt her… it hasn’t sunk in yet actually.”

News of the police probe into the politician’s death has stunned the world of politics and her many supporters and admirers.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the circumstances around Ms Widdecombe’s death are “extremely distressing”, adding: “My thoughts are with Ann’s family and loved ones”.

Meanwhile, Conservative Party leader, Kemi Badenoch, has paid tribute to “formidable politician” Ann.

Departing PM Keir Starmer said it was “really shocking news” that police had launched a murder investigation and praised the former MP as a “distinguished politician”.

Sir Keir urged the public to help the police identify the individual suspected, adding: “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.”

Other Labour MPs, including Prime Minister in waiting Andy Burnham and Angela Rayner have also paid tribute.

A spokeswoman 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.”

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

Ann spent time as Education Minister and Prisons Minister in then-Prime Minister John Major‘s cabinet.

Following her retirement from Parliament in 2010, Widdecombe swapped the Commons for the ballroom and starred in BBC‘s Strictly Come Dancing.

Ann went on to appear in ITV favourite Celebrity Big Brother, where she finished runner-up to Aussie singer Courtney Act.

Issuing a statement, her management confirmed earlier today: “It is with great sadness that today we announce the death of the Rt Hon Ann Widdecombe, DSG.

“Her life and career were driven by her strong Christian values and commitment to public service.

“She loved the cut and thrust of political debate and, 16 years after leaving Parliament, was still actively campaigning for Reform UK.

“Ann was a valued patron of many causes, particularly her animal charities.

“As Ann once said on The Graham Norton Show, ‘we get one go this side of eternity, one go. Life is not a dress rehearsal, you take opportunities that you like and you go for it, that’s my philosophy’.

“We send our deepest condolences to Ann’s family and friends. We ask that the family’s wish not to be contacted at this sad time is respected.”

Ann was born in Bath, Somerset, on October 4, 1947.

Her father, James Murray Widdecombe CB OBE, was Head of Naval Supplies & Transport at the Ministry of Defence.

Before venturing into the world of politics, she started her career in marketing at Unilever in 1973.

Two years later, she became senior administrator at London University, where she stayed until 1987.