Messages of support have been flooding in after the passing of former Conservative minister Ann Widdecombe, as Devon and Cornwall Police have opened a murder inquiry into her death.
The former Conservative prisons minister, aged 78, was discovered deceased at her residence in Haytor after officers attended the property at approximately 11.40am on Thursday, July 9.
Political figures, including Sir Keir Starmer and Kemi Badenoch, have responded to the announcement and offered their respects.
Sir Keir Starmer described it as deeply troubling information and referred to Ann as a respected public servant.
Anton Du Beke posted on X expressing that it was the saddest of news today regarding the passing of the lovely Ann Widdecombe. On behalf of himself and the whole BBC Strictly family, their thoughts went out to her nearest and dearest and her whole family. They would all remember her fondly and miss her, with Anton signing off with affection.
Cloud9 Management, Ann Widdecombe’s representatives, stated that they were utterly overwhelmed by this development following an extremely distressing and unsettling 24 hours. They advised that they were cooperating fully with the police investigation and emphasised the family’s request for privacy during this challenging period. The agency urged anyone possessing pertinent information to get in touch with Devon and Cornwall Police.
Kemi Badenoch expressed that she had been left completely speechless by this terrible announcement. She admitted finding it difficult to locate appropriate words. She described Ann Widdecombe as an entertaining and spirited individual who expressed her opinions freely and noted she was 78 years old, an elderly woman. She expressed bewilderment at how anyone could commit such a dreadful act against an elderly person. She characterised it as a vicious and horrifying assault and said her heart went out to her loved ones. She remarked that losing someone is difficult enough, but learning they had been killed in such a terrible manner was truly dreadful. She stated that the Conservative Party was in shock. She noted that Ann had been a longstanding member of the Conservative Party, serving as a Conservative minister before joining Reform. She believed they would be equally shocked and offered her condolences to Nigel Farage and all at Reform on behalf of the Conservative Party, as both sides had lost someone dear.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer addressed journalists at Chequers and described it as deeply troubling information, stating that his thoughts and those of everyone would be with Ann Widdecombe’s family and companions during this distressing period for them. He noted that Ann had been a respected public servant across many years with numerous accomplishments, representing an enormous loss. He mentioned having spoken with the chief constable that afternoon regarding the specifics and expressed that this was a time when everyone should put aside political disagreements and divisions, emphasising that the most critical priority was for everyone and the public to assist the police in identifying the individual under suspicion and ensuring his swift apprehension. He characterised the individual as clearly presenting a danger and called on anyone possessing any information about him to support the police investigation and help place him into custody.
Strictly Come Dancing’s Anton Du Beke, who partnered with Ann on the BBC One series in 2010, posted a tribute to her on X. He stated that he had an absolutely wonderful experience working with Ann on Strictly Come Dancing. He noted that she became a genuine friend. He described her as fun, upbeat, positive and supportive. He said they shared a tremendous time together and remained close friends. He extended his thoughts to all her closest relatives and her entire family. He stated this was a sorrowful day and he was devastated by the news of Ann’s death but would recall her with affection and miss her.
A spokesperson for Andy Burnham conveyed his deepest sympathy and thoughts with Ann’s family on this particularly difficult day. The statement noted that Ann dedicated her life to public service, and it was entirely appropriate that the police deployed all their resources to investigating this matter as promptly as possible.
Sir Ed Davey, the Liberal Democrat leader, described himself as deeply troubled and upset upon hearing the news. In a social media post, the Lib Dem leader stated that he was profoundly troubled and distressed by the announcement concerning Ann Widdecombe. He noted she was a woman of profound religious conviction who dedicated her existence to public service. The notion that she may have been killed was genuinely terrifying. He offered his thoughts and prayers to her family and all who held her dear.