Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said he now feared that for “anybody in public life, or especially the political space, things have become even more dangerous to them” as he spoke ont Ann Widdecombe’s death
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said he was “deeply, deeply upset” by the nature of Ann Widdecombe’s death.
A 26-year-old white British man has been arrested on suspicion of murdering former MP and MEP Ann Widdecombe.
The ex-Tory prisons minister was found dead at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor on Thursday (July 9) after sustaining serious injuries. Farage said he now “fears” for anybody in the public eye and claimed that for “things have become even more dangerous to them.”
Miss Widdecombe, who was 78, later became a Brexit Party MEP and subsequently a Reform UK spokeswoman. She also found fame outside politics after starring in Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother.
In a message shared on social media, the Reform leader said: “I am deeply, deeply upset by the nature of her death. I’m pleased the police have caught somebody, a 26-year-old man.
“We don’t know what political motives are, whether they exist at all. Was it a burglary gone wrong? We just don’t know. And I’m not going to speculate at this stage. I’m pleased the police are doing their job.
“Our nation is a much, much poorer place without her. Reform UK is certainly a much worse place without her. I was expecting to see her in Clacton over the course of the next few days. Sadly, that is not going to happen.
“Rest in peace, Ann. A remarkable, principled woman, and a truly dreadful way to die, and a terrible reflection on modern Britain.
“And I do fear that for anybody in public life, or especially the political space, things have become even more dangerous to them.”
Devon and Cornwall Police Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman said the 26-year-old suspect was arrested at an address in Newton Abbot on Friday (July 10).
He said the case was “not being treated as terrorism” and there was “no information” at this time to suggest it was a “politically-motivated crime”.
He said: “This is an extremely tragic incident. Our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of Miss Widdecombe in this very difficult time.”
Police are remaining “open-minded” about the motive for the attack and it was too early to comment on whether the suspect was known to Miss Widdecombe.
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