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Tributes have poured in for former MP and Express columnist Ann Widdecombe following her death which was announced on Friday morning. Devon and Cornwall Police later confirmed that a murder investigation has been launched following the “suspicious death” of the former Tory and Reform politician. She was found with "sustained serious injuries" at her home in Devon by emergency services at approximately 11.40am.
Detective Chief Inspector Ilona Rosson said in a statement that the force is working to identify the suspect, thought to be a white male. DCI Rosson said: "This is an extremely tragic incident and our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of Ann Widdecombe 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 and to locate the person responsible who we believe to be a white male.
"I would appeal to anyone who may have information about this incident, however insignificant it may seem, to come forward and speak with us.
"We are particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have seen anything suspicious in the vicinity of Haytor Vale, Haytor, or anyone with CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage which could assist with our investigation."
The news prompted reactions from across the political spectrum, including Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, who said she was “deeply saddened” by Widdecombe’s death and urged people to allow police investigations to continue without speculation.
Kemi Badenoch also reacted and said she had been "stunned" to hear the news of the a murder investigation. "The Conservative Party is reeling," she told Sky News.
Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson called Widdecombe "a heroic Brexiteer" and a "great speaker who could move Tory audiences to such ecstasy that she was a very hard act to follow."
Ann Widdecombe’s management team, Cloud9 Management, said they were “absolutely devastated” by the news and asked that the family’s privacy be respected.
The statement reads: “We are absolutely devastated by this news following a very traumatic and upsetting 24 hours.
“We fully support the police in their investigations and we reiterate the family’s desire not to be contacted at this difficult time. We implore anyone who may have relevant information to contact Devon & Cornwall Police.”
Human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell, however, has sparked outrage among some social media users after posting comments about Ann Widdecombe after her death was announced.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Tatchell wrote: “Tory ex-MP Ann Widdecombe is dead!
"She opposed every gay law reform for 40 years, supporting every legal discrimination against LGBTs. She also backed bids to 'cure' homosexuality and said people should have the right to discriminate against LGBTs.
The comments triggered a backlash from some social media users, who argued that political disagreements should be set aside arguing that it's not the "time or place" following someone’s death and called for respect towards Widdecombe’s family.
One X user wrote: "As a "queer" man I find this post in poor taste. Yes she had her opinions on the gay folk which she is entitled to have but given what's happened this is not the time for that debate."
Former MP Rupert Lowe was among those to respond, hitting out at Tatchell’s remarks and branding him a “pr***” in a reply on X.
Someone else said: "You're better than this Peter."
Widdecombe was a prominent Eurosceptic and a vocal supporter of the Vote Leave campaign during the Brexit referendum 10 years ago.
Following her departure from the Conservative Party, she joined the Brexit Party in 2019 and was elected as a Member of the European Parliament representing South West England, serving until the UK’s withdrawal from the EU in 2020. She later joined Nigel Farage’s Reform UK in 2023.
Widdecombe was also known for her socially conservative views, including her opposition to abortion and her criticism of a number of LGBT rights reforms.