Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has praised the former minister’s “conviction and dedication”, while political figures in Wales remembered her as fearless, honest and a powerful public speaker

WELSH politicians have joined tributes to former Conservative minister and Reform UK campaigner Ann Widdecombe after police launched a murder investigation into her death.

The 78-year-old was found dead with serious injuries at her home in Haytor, on the edge of Dartmoor in Devon, at around midday on Thursday, July 9.

Devon and Cornwall Police said officers were called to the address by the ambulance service.

A murder inquiry has now been launched, with police seeking a white male believed to be connected with her death.

Detective Chief Inspector Ilona Rosson said the investigation was in its early stages but was moving at a significant pace.

She said: “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.”

A cordon remains around the property while specialist officers carry out forensic examinations.

Police have appealed for anyone with information, or with CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage from the Haytor Vale area, to come forward.

Officers have also urged people not to speculate online while the investigation continues.

Prime Minister pays tribute

A spokeswoman for Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described Widdecombe as “a distinctive figure in British politics”.

She said the Prime Minister was saddened by her death and “pays tribute to the conviction and dedication with which she served her country”.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood described the circumstances surrounding Widdecombe’s death as “extremely distressing”.

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch called her a “formidable politician” who was never afraid to speak her mind.

She said: “My deepest condolences and those of the Conservative Party to the family and friends of Ann Widdecombe.

“She was a formidable politician who was never afraid to speak her mind and fought hard for what she believed.

“Always true to herself, her politics were strongly guided by her faith and her values. Rest in peace, Ann.”

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said Widdecombe’s decision to stand for the Brexit Party in the 2019 European elections had been a major boost to the campaign.

He said: “The voters loved her. She played a decisive role in getting Brexit over the line and will be missed by us all.”

Tributes from Wales

Reform UK Wales said it was “incredibly sad” to hear of Widdecombe’s death.

The party described her as “a true patriot and a fierce champion of Brexit”, noting her prominent involvement with both the Brexit Party and Reform UK.

Reform UK Senedd member Laura Anne Jones said she had met and listened to Widdecombe speak on several occasions.

She described her as “a true powerhouse and a very clever and eloquent speaker”, who always stood up powerfully for her beliefs.

Ms Jones added that her thoughts were with Widdecombe’s family and friends.

Fellow Reform UK Senedd member Llŷr Powell said he first met Widdecombe during the Brexit Party campaign in 2019.

He described her as “a true force in British politics, principled, fearless and never afraid to stand up for what she believed in”.

Former Welsh Conservative leader Andrew RT Davies also paid tribute.

He said: “I’m so sorry to hear Ann Widdecombe has died.

“You always knew where you stood with Ann. She was honest, straight-talking and always sincere in her beliefs.”

The Welsh reaction reflects Widdecombe’s continued influence within Reform UK, which has become a significant force in Senedd politics.

Although she never represented a Welsh constituency, she campaigned alongside politicians who later became leading figures in Reform UK Wales and remained one of the party’s best-known national spokespeople.

Long political career

Widdecombe served as Conservative MP for Maidstone and later Maidstone and The Weald from 1987 until 2010.

She held several ministerial positions under former prime minister Sir John Major, including employment minister and prisons minister.

Known for her socially conservative views and forceful debating style, she became one of Westminster’s most recognisable personalities.

She famously criticised former Conservative leader Michael Howard by saying there was “something of the night” about him.

After leaving the House of Commons, Widdecombe became widely known to a new audience through television appearances, including Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother.

A prominent Eurosceptic, she left the Conservatives and joined Nigel Farage’s Brexit Party in 2019.

She was elected to the European Parliament for South West England and served as an MEP until the United Kingdom left the European Union.

She later became involved with Reform UK and remained an active campaigner and media commentator until shortly before her death.

Her management company said her life had been driven by strong Christian values and a commitment to public service.

It said: “Ann was a valued patron of many causes, particularly her animal charities.

“A consummate professional and a delight to work with, indefatigable to the last, we know this news will come as a great shock to the many colleagues and friends she made along the way.”

No arrests had been announced at the time of publication.

Anyone with information should contact Devon and Cornwall Police, quoting Operation Hunlen.

David Guy is accused of assaulting a woman and possessing an air rifle with intent to cause fear of violence

A HAVERFORDWEST man has been remanded in custody after denying three charges, including possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.

David Guy, aged 50, of Market Street, Haverfordwest, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, June 23.

Guy is accused of possessing an air rifle between May 1 and May 17 with the intention of causing Rebecca Hughes to believe that unlawful violence would be used against her or another person.

He pleaded not guilty to the charge, which was brought under the Firearms Act 1968.

Guy also denies assaulting Ms Hughes and causing her actual bodily harm in Haverfordwest on May 17.

A third charge alleges that he committed a common assault against her between May 1 and May 17. He has also entered a not guilty plea to that allegation.

Magistrates sent all three charges to Swansea Crown Court for trial.

Guy was remanded in custody after the court heard concerns that he might commit further offences causing injury or fear of injury to an associated person, or interfere with witnesses or otherwise obstruct the course of justice.

He is due to appear at Swansea Crown Court for a plea and trial preparation hearing on Friday, July 24.

The magistrates were Mr D Fawcett, Mr J Steadman and a third member of the bench. Sian Vaughan appeared for the prosecution and Alaw Harries represented Guy.

AN INDEPENDENT inquiry into grooming gangs across England and Wales has failed to identify a single location in Wales for local investigation, the Senedd has been told.

Welsh Conservative leader Darren Millar raised the issue in the Siambr on Wednesday July 8, warning that known victims of child sexual exploitation in Wales are being overlooked.

Mr Millar said independent investigations had already cited Swansea, Rhyl and parts of mid Wales as areas where grooming gangs operate, with victims being trafficked to other parts of the UK. 

Addressing Deputy First Minister Sioned Williams, Mr Millar asked for assurances that she would commit to a standalone, Wales-wide inquiry if the current cross-border investigation continues to bypass Welsh locations.

Ms Williams, who also serves as social justice and equality minister, said the Welsh Government had consulted on the terms of reference to ensure the “unique Welsh context” is captured.

She confirmed that Welsh officials meet monthly with the inquiry team and have been assured that Welsh survivors will be able to contribute fully.

Ms Williams added that her government would take further action if it believes it is required.

The debate followed figures highlighted in the Senedd by Plaid Cymru’s Beca Brown on Wednesday July 2, showing an estimated 25,000 children and young people are sexually abused in Wales every year. 

Labour’s spokesperson for equalities, Shav Taj, called for ring-fenced funding to train teachers to identify sophisticated online AI deepfake networks and “sextortion” rings.

Ms Taj warned that relying on a central website without specific funding was a “passive strategy” for exhausted school staff.

Ms Williams said the government’s ten-year strategy focuses on prevention, effective protection, and supporting affected families alongside the NSPCC and the Centre of Expertise on Child Sexual Abuse.