Ann Widdecombe death treated as murder by Devon police
Devon police launched a murder investigation following the death of the former Conservative MP and broadcaster Ann Widdecombe, aged 78, who was found dead. Officers treated the circumstances as suspicious, and the news prompted shock among those familiar with her long career spanning Westminster politics and television.
In the aftermath of the announcement, the former Sky News broadcaster Adam Boulton drew widespread criticism for disparaging on-air remarks about Widdecombe, reportedly describing her using terms such as "old maid" and "bruiser". The comments were condemned as inappropriate and disrespectful given the timing, adding a further layer of controversy to the story.
- Devon police treated Ann Widdecombe's death, aged 78, as murder.
- The former Tory MP and broadcaster was found dead.
- Adam Boulton was criticised for disparaging on-air remarks about her.
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Devon and Cornwall Police are investigating the death of Ann Widdecombe, the former Conservative MP and broadcaster, as murder. She was 78. Widdecombe was a well-known figure in British public life, having served as an MP for over two decades and later becoming a familiar face on television, including reality shows and political commentary programmes.
A murder investigation means police believe someone else was responsible for her death, though at this stage no arrest or motive has been confirmed. Her death has prompted tributes and expressions of shock from politicians, broadcasters and the public who knew her from her long career.
Separately, the story has drawn in the broadcaster Adam Boulton, formerly of Sky News, after remarks he made about Widdecombe on air were criticised as disrespectful. This has become a secondary point of controversy running alongside the police investigation itself.
Coverage
- Daily Mail — My darling pal Ann Widdecombe: He spoke to her the day before she died. Here, shocked and saddened beyond measure, ANDREW PIERCE recalls their brandy-soaked dinners – and how they pulled a fast one on David Cameron
- Daily Mail — Moment former Sky presenter calls Ann Widdecombe a ‘bruiser’ and an ‘old maid’ after her ‘murder’ aged 78 – as viewers brand comments ‘inappropriate and disrespectful’
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