A murder investigation was launched into the death of Ann Widdecombe, a former British member of Parliament and reality TV contestant, who was found dead in her home in southwest England, police said. The 78-year-old former Conservative lawmaker and prisons minister had sustained serious injuries when she was found on Thursday at the property in Haytor, on the edge of Dartmoor National Park.
Background
Widdecombe found fame after leaving Parliament as a contestant on the Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother reality television shows. She later joined the Brexit Party and became a spokeswoman for the anti-immigration Reform UK party. She served in the House of Commons as an MP from 1987 to 2010 and was known for socially conservative views opposing abortion rights and expansion of LGBTQ rights.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer 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.’ Police said they were seeking a male suspect.
Reaction
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.’ The management company that represented her after she left politics said her life and career were driven by strong Christian values and a commitment to public service.
Original reporting: WTVQ (Lexington) — read the source article.
