Police release man arrested over death of former MP Ann Widdecombe

Police have released a 26-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murdering former MP and MEP Ann Widdecombe. The man is no longer part of the investigation, authorities confirmed Saturday.

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Our priority remains identifying those responsible and ensuring that all available evidence is thoroughly examined.

Widdecombe, 78, was found dead at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor on Thursday. She had sustained serious injuries. The former Conservative prisons minister later became a Brexit Party MEP and a Reform UK spokeswoman. She also gained public recognition for her appearances on "Strictly Come Dancing" and "Celebrity Big Brother."

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We are deploying all of the necessary resources to find out exactly what has happened.

Assistant chief constable Matt Longman stated that the priority remains identifying those responsible and thoroughly examining all evidence. Detectives are conducting numerous inquiries as part of the ongoing investigation. "We are deploying all of the necessary resources to find out exactly what has happened," Longman said, urging the public not to speculate on social media due to potential harm to the investigation and distress to Widdecombe's family and friends.

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This is not only potentially harmful to our investigation but also deeply distressing for family and friends of Miss Widdecombe.

Devon and Cornwall Police previously indicated that the cause of death is not being treated as terrorism and there is no information to suggest it was politically motivated. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage commented that the death was a "terrible reflection on modern Britain" and expressed fears for the safety of public figures. Prime Minister Keir Starmer called for unity across political divides following the murder.

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I do fear that for anybody in public life, or especially the political space, things have become even more dangerous today.