Tributes have been pouring in following the death of former Conservative minister Ann Widdecombe, as Devon and Cornwall Police have launched a murder investigation into her death.
The ex-Tory prisons minister, who was 78, was found dead at her home in Haytor after police officers were called to the property at around 11.40am on Thursday, July 9.
Politicians, including Sir Keir Starmer and Kemi Badenoch, have reacted to the news and shared tributes.
Sir Keir Starmer has said it is “really shocking news” and described Ann as a “distinguished politician.”
Hi my loves, the saddest of news today of the passing of the lovely Ann Widdecombe.
On behalf of myself and the whole @bbcstrictly family, our thoughts go out to her nearest and dearest and her whole family.
We will all remember her fondly and miss her.
Anton x pic.twitter.com/5kPPRrY7m2— Anton Du Beke (@TheAntonDuBeke) July 10, 2026
Tributes to Ann Widdecombe
Ann Widdecombe’s management, Cloud9 Management, said: “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.”
Kemi Badenoch said: “I’ve been stunned to hear this awful news.
“To be honest, I’ve really struggled to find the words to say.
“Ann Widdecombe was a very fun and feisty woman who spoke her mind and she was 78 years old, she was an elderly woman.
“I don’t understand how someone could do something so horrific to an elderly person.
“It was a nasty, horrific attack and my heart is breaking for her family.
“It’s one thing when someone dies, but to know that they’ve been murdered in this horrible way is just awful.
“The Conservative Party is reeling.
“Ann was a long-standing member of the Conservative Party, she was a Conservative minister, and then she moved to Reform.
“I’m sure they’re just as stunned as we are, and I extend my condolences to Nigel Farage and everyone in Reform on behalf of the Conservative Party, because we’ve both lost a friend.”
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer spoke to reporters at Chequers and said: “This is really shocking news, and my thoughts, I think all of our thoughts, will be with the family and friends of Ann Widdecombe at this awful time for them.
“Ann was a distinguished politician over many, many years with many achievements, and it’s a huge, huge loss.
“I’ve spoken to the chief constable this afternoon about the details and I think this is really important that this is a moment where we rise above any political differences, the political divide and say the single most important thing at the moment is that all of us and the public help the police identify the individual suspected and make sure he’s arrested as quickly as possible.
“He’s clearly dangerous, and I implore everybody who’s got any information in relation to him to help the police with their inquiries, get him into police custody.”
Strictly Come Dancing’s Anton Du Beke, who was partnered with Ann on the BBC One show in 2010, shared a tribute to her on X.
He said: “I had the most brilliant time with Ann on Strictly Come Dancing.
“She became a real friend.
“She was fun.
“She was upbeat.
“She was positive.
“She was supportive.
“We had an incredible time together and we stayed firm friends.
“My thoughts go out to all of her nearest and dearest and all her family.
“This is a sad day and I’m devastated by the news of Ann’s passing but I shall remember her fondly, and miss her.”
A spokeswoman for Andy Burnham said: “Andy’s deepest condolences and thoughts are with Ann’s family today, in incredibly distressing circumstances.
“Ann gave a lifetime of public service, and it’s absolutely right that the police put all their resources into investigating this as swiftly as possible.”
Sir Ed Davey, the Liberal Democrat leader, said he was “really shocked and distressed” after hearing the news.
Writing on social media, the Lib Dem leader said: “I’m really shocked and distressed at the news about Ann Widdecombe.
“She was a woman of deep faith who devoted her life to public service. The idea that she could have been murdered is truly horrifying.
“My thoughts and prayers are with her family and all who loved her.”