Anton du Beke ‘devastated’ over Ann Widdecombe death as politicians react

While police are investigating the incident as a murder, political leaders and a TV star have expressed their sadness and shock at the death of Ann Widdecombe.

Anton Du Beke, her partner on Strictly Come Dancing in 2010, said he was devastated by her death, which he described as “the saddest news”.

“I had the most amazing time on Strictly Come Dancing with Ann, she was a real friend, she was fun, optimistic, positive, supportive, playful, wanted to get into the spirit of everything,” he said in a video published on X shortly before the murder investigation was announced.

Police said Widdecombe, 78, was found seriously injured at his home in Devon on Thursday morning.

Police announced that a 26-year-old white British man was arrested on suspicion of murder.

Deputy Chief Constable Matt Longman told reporters the incident was not being treated as a terrorist incident and there was currently “no information” that the death of the former Conservative minister and Reform UK spokesman was politically motivated.

Kemi Badenoch, leader of the Conservative Party, where Widdecombe served as shadow home secretary from 1999 to 2001, said the party was “stunted”.

He described Widdecombe as “a very funny and feisty woman who speaks her mind”.

“My heart breaks for his family,” she said.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called Widdecombe “an outstanding politician” and described his death as a “significant loss”.

He called on people to “rise above any political differences”, adding that his thoughts are with her family “at this awful time”.

Starmer said he had spoken to Commons Speaker Lindsay Hoyle, Badenoch, Reform England’s Nigel Farage and MP Andy Burnham “to urge everyone to come together”.

Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, said Widdecombe was “an extraordinary woman” and someone who “dedicated her life to public service and fighting for the things she believed in”.

He described her as “a devout Christian and someone with strong socially conservative views. Perhaps unpopular in modern Britain, but that’s what Ann believed.”

Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey described Widdecombe as “a woman of deep faith who devoted her life to public service. The idea that she could have been murdered is truly appalling.”

“His thoughts and prayers are with his family and everyone who loved him,” he said.

Presumptive Labor prime minister Andy Burnham said: “Ann has given a lifetime of public service and it is absolutely right that the police use all their resources to investigate this incident as quickly as possible.”

Widdecombe’s neighbour, Susan Coysh, told the BBC she was “devastated” and described her as “a character and a lovely lady”.

“I was shocked. In this beautiful environment we live in,” the woman said, adding that she last saw Widdecombe at a gas station 10 days ago.

“We used to say hello. He kept to himself a little bit… but he was approachable,” Coysh said.

A statement issued by Widdecombe’s manager announcing his death on Friday morning did not mention the specific circumstances of his death.

Widdecombe’s management said in a statement later on Friday: “We are absolutely devastated by this news, which comes after a very traumatic and distressing 24 hours.”

“We fully support the police in their investigation and reiterate the family’s wish that they not be contacted at this difficult time.”