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

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

Andy Burnham’s spokesman said: ‘Andy’s deepest condolences and thoughts are with Ann’s family who are in incredibly sad circumstances today.

‘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.’

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said he was “genuinely shocked and saddened” after police announced they had launched a murder investigation into the death of Ann Widdecombe.

Writing on social media, the Liberal Democrat leader said: ‘I am truly shocked and saddened by the news regarding Ann Widdecombe.

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

‘My thoughts and prayers are with his family and everyone who loved him.’

Strictly Come Dancing’s Anton Du Beke said he was ‘devastated’ to hear of Ann Widdecombe’s death.

The pair worked together on the BBC One dance show in 2010.

In a video shared on X before police announced they had opened a murder investigation into her death, he said: ‘I had the greatest time with Ann on Strictly Come Dancing.

‘He became a true friend. It was great fun. He was optimistic. It was positive. He was supportive.

‘We had an incredible time together and remained firm friends.

‘My thoughts are with his nearest and dearest and all his family. ‘This is a sad day and I am devastated by the news of Ann’s passing but I will remember and miss her fondly.’

Police cars were photographed at her home this afternoon as the manhunt continues following the death of Ann Widdecombe.

Officers launched a murder investigation and said they were looking for a ‘white male’ suspect.

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

The Conservative leader told reporters: ‘I was stunned to hear this terrible news.

‘I had a really hard time finding the words to say, to be honest. Ann Widdecombe was a feisty woman who was very entertaining and spoke her mind, and at 78, she was an old lady.

‘I don’t understand how someone could do such a terrible thing to an old person. This was a disgusting, horrific attack and my heart breaks for his family.

‘It’s one thing for someone to die, but it’s terrible to know that he was killed in such a horrific way.

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

‘I’m sure they are as stunned as we are, and on behalf of the Conservative Party I offer my condolences to Nigel Farage and everyone in the Reform movement, because we have both lost a friend.’

Asked whether the murder of Ann Widdecombe was believed to be politically motivated, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the safety of politicians was ‘extremely important’ but would not speculate on any possible motives.

The Prime Minister said: ‘It’s really important that we stay vigilant. I won’t speculate on this particular situation.

“The chief constable has briefed me on the details that are known at this time, but I think it is very important for us to keep Ann Widdecombe’s family and friends in our thoughts and frankly the most important thing at the moment is for the suspect to be apprehended by the police as quickly as possible.”

‘And I would urge anyone listening to or watching this who has any information that could help the police to come forward to ensure that someone who is clearly dangerous is caught as quickly as possible and that the police investigation can progress on that basis.’

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

We await further details at the press conference, which was scheduled for 16.30 but has now been postponed to 17.00.

Detective Chief Inspector Ilona Rosson said: ‘Our murder investigation is still in its early stages but is progressing at significant pace. We are using all resources necessary to find out exactly what happened and find the person responsible, who we believe to be a white male.

‘I would appeal to anyone with information about this incident, no matter how trivial it may seem, to come forward and speak to us.

‘We are particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have seen anything suspicious around Haytor Vale, Haytor, or anyone who has CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage that may assist our investigation.’

Sir Keir Starmer said it was time to “overcome any political differences” and said he had spoken to Nigel Farage, Andy Burnham and Kemi Badenoch after police launched a murder investigation into the death of Ann Widdecombe.

The Prime Minister called on anyone with information to help police detain the suspect.

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

In a post on X, Shabana Mahmood said: ‘So sorry to hear of Ann Widdecombe’s death. The circumstances surrounding her death are extremely saddening and my thoughts are with Ann’s family and loved ones.

‘Ann’s commitment to public service spanned decades and she was a true servant of her constituents.

‘I spoke to the chief constable of Devon and Cornwall Police today. The Ministry of Internal Affairs is ready to provide any support they need in the ongoing investigation.

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

It was understood that Ann Widdecombe was found dead in her home by her carer.

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

At 11.40 am, the ambulance team contacted the police and a murder investigation was launched.

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