(LifeSiteNews) — Ann Widdecombe, a former British MP and television star, has been murdered.
British police are investigating the death of Widdecombe, 78, who was found wounded and deceased in her Devon, England, home on July 9. According to the Daily Telegraph, the Devon and Cornwall Police are looking for “a white male” as a suspect in her death. Widdecombe’s death was announced in the British newspapers this morning without reference to foul play.
Reports now say that a 26-year-old man, described by police as a “white British national,” has been arrested in connection with her murder. On July 11, police said that this man had been released and is no longer part of their investigation.
It is now believed the victim died 24 hours before she was found.
A Catholic convert and pro-life politician, Widdecombe endeared herself to Britons with her surprisingly popular appearances on television shows Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother.
Michael Robinson, executive director of the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children (SPUC), told LifeSiteNews that he was “deeply saddened” by Widdecombe’s death.
“Ann was a woman of unwavering conviction, remarkable courage, and deep Catholic faith,” Robinson said.
In an age when many public figures shifted with the political winds, she stood firm on matters of principle, often at considerable personal cost. Her Catholic faith was not something she kept private; it shaped her public life. She was an unashamed defender of the dignity of every human life, speaking up for the unborn, the elderly, the disabled, and the vulnerable. Her belief that every human life matters — from conception until natural death — never wavered. Whether people agreed with her or not, few could question her integrity or her willingness to stand alone for what she believed was right. My prayers are with her family, friends, and all who mourn her loss. If the reports that her death is being treated as murder prove to be true, this is an unspeakable tragedy. I pray that the truth is uncovered swiftly and that those responsible are brought to justice. May the Lord grant her eternal rest, and may perpetual light shine upon her.
Former SPUC chief executive John Smeaton also praised Widdecombe.
“Ann Widdecombe was one of the UK’s most eloquent advocates of the right to life, and famously not afraid to speak truth to power,” he said. “The best thanks we can now give Ann is our prayers that God will richly reward her tremendous qualities, particularly her courageous pro-family and pro-life witness, with a swift entry into the heavenly home for which all of us long.”
Citizen Go’s Caroline Farrow paid tribute to the Catholic politician this morning on X before the circumstances of her death were known.
“Ann Widdecombe gave Catholics like me hope,” Farrow wrote. “She proved that you could hold unapologetically Catholic, trenchant views, participate fully in public life and still become a much-loved national treasure. Her faith was never a barrier. It was the source of her courage. May she rest in peace.”
Ann Widdecombe gave Catholics like me hope.
She proved that you could hold unapologetically Catholic, trenchant views, participate fully in public life and still become a much-loved national treasure.
Her faith was never a barrier. It was the source of her courage.
May she…
— Caroline Farrow (@CF_Farrow) July 10, 2026
Widdecombe was a Conservative MP from 1987 to 2010, subsequently a member of the Brexit Party, and then a member of the Reform Party.
ARCHIVES: British Christians fed up with ‘coarse, sneering’ mockery of Christianity
This is the second murder of a high-profile Catholic politician in England this decade. Sir David Amess, Member of Parliament for 38 years and Widdecombe’s friend, was murdered at work in 2021 by Islamist Ali Harbi Ali.
Amess’ daughter Katie released a statement.
“I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Ann Widdecombe,” she wrote. “Ann was a loyal and longstanding friend to my father, Sir David Amess, and our family will always be grateful for the kindness, strength and dignity she showed in the most difficult moments of our lives.”
“Her eulogy for my father at Westminster Cathedral, and the compassion she offered us in the days and months that followed his death, reflected the very best of her character, warm, principled, and unwavering in her support for those she cared about,” Katie Amess continued. “Ann’s friendship meant a great deal to my father, and her words brought comfort to so many who loved him. Today, we remember her with affection and respect, and we send our heartfelt condolences to her family and friends. May she rest in peace.”
Notorious English LGBT activist Peter Tatchell, however, attacked Widdecombe for her principled stand on marriage and the family.
Tory ex-MP #AnnWiddecombe is dead!
She opposed every gay law reform for 40 years, supporting every legal discrimination against LGBTs
She also backed bids to ‘cure’ homosexuality & said people should have the right to discriminate against LGBTs
BIGOT!https://t.co/yvXDQ49Vcs
— Peter Tatchell (@PeterTatchell) July 10, 2026
In a subsequent tweet, Tatchell stated, “No one deserves to die – let alone be murdered. RIP Ann.”
ARCHIVES: LGBT activist thinks he has a plan to stop UK parents from withdrawing kids from sex-ed
Updated