UK Police Release Man Arrested on Suspicion of Killing Former Minister Ann Widdecombe

British police have released a 26-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murdering former UK government minister and veteran politician Ann Widdecombe, saying he is no longer under investigation as detectives continue searching for the person responsible for her death.

Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed on Saturday that the man, described as a white British male, had been released from custody after further inquiries. Officers stressed that the murder investigation remains active and that extensive forensic examinations and witness interviews are continuing.

Widdecombe, 78, was found dead at her rural home in Haytor, on the edge of Dartmoor National Park in southwest England, on Thursday after officers responding to a welfare check discovered she had suffered serious injuries. Investigators now believe she was attacked around midday on Wednesday, almost 24 hours before her body was discovered.

Police said there is currently no evidence that the killing was politically motivated or linked to terrorism. Counter-terrorism officers initially provided specialist assistance because of Widdecombe’s high public profile, but investigators have since determined that the case should remain under the direction of local detectives. Authorities also said there is no indication of a wider threat to the public.

Investigators are continuing to examine CCTV footage, forensic evidence and witness accounts in an effort to establish the circumstances surrounding the killing. Residents in the area have been urged to come forward with any information that could assist detectives, while police appealed for the public to avoid speculation that could hinder the investigation.

Widdecombe was one of Britain’s most recognizable political figures. She served as a Conservative Member of Parliament from 1987 to 2010 and held ministerial office under former Prime Minister John Major. In later years, she became a prominent supporter of Brexit and joined Reform UK, serving as one of the party’s leading voices on justice and constitutional issues. Beyond politics, she gained national recognition through television appearances, including Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother.

Tributes have poured in from across the political spectrum. Nigel Farage described Widdecombe as “an extraordinary woman” whose distinctive voice shaped British politics for decades. Political leaders, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer, also praised her long record of public service and expressed condolences to her family and friends.

The case has drawn significant attention because it follows the high-profile killings of British lawmakers Jo Cox in 2016 and David Amess in 2021. However, police have emphasized that, unlike those attacks, there is currently no evidence linking Widdecombe’s death to extremism or political violence. Detectives say the investigation remains ongoing and are pursuing all available leads to identify the person responsible.