Rounding out major political leaders following today's shock news, Scottish First Minister and SNP chief John Swinney said he was "very saddened" to hear about Widdecombe's death.

He also spoke of the "awful circumstances in which this has happened", and added: "I extend my sympathy to her family, friends and many colleagues."

John Swinney

Andrew Rosindell, a Tory MP who defected to Reform, has said his former colleague would "just get on with the job and not worry about her personal safety”.

Mr Rosindell told Times Radio “a lot of MPs are targets, but we just put up with it”, adding: "I know that Ann Widdecombe took that view, you know, she would just get on with the job and not worry about her personal safety.”

He continued: “I knew her for over 40 years. And to think that she’s gone, I find it very hard to accept. We don’t know the circumstances yet fully, but it sounds like a horrific crime that has been committed. And I mourn her loss and very much grieving.”

Ashley James, the broadcaster and former Celebrity Big Brother contestant who appeared on the show alongside Widdecombe in 2018, said in a post on Instagram that she was "absolutely devastated" by her death.

She wrote: "Ann Widdecombe and I couldn't have been more different politically. We clashed a lot in the Celebrity Big Brother house, and there are many of her views I fundamentally disagreed with, particularly on LGBTQ+ rights.

"I'm very aware that many of her beliefs and where she gave her political vote were deeply harmful to communities and caused real hurt. Her views were deplorable.

"But she also had a profound impact on me in an unexpected way. After one particularly explosive row, she called me 'a little bit of a bone picker' and told me I needed to stop being so sensitive.

"At the time, I didn't want to hear it. But she encouraged me to care less about pleasing everyone and to have more conviction in my own beliefs. I've spoken openly over the years about how much that advice changed me, because I used to spend so much of my life worrying about what other people thought of me.

"I also always believed that disagreement didn't have to mean a lack of humanity. I never stopped trying to meet Ann with kindness, even when we fundamentally disagreed."

Ashley James revealed the 'profound impact' Ann Widdecombe had(Image: Channel 5 / PR Handout)

Former PM Boris Johnson, who, like Mr Burnham, has previously commented on Widdecombe's death on social media, demanded facts "as fast as we can" following news of the murder investigation in a follow-up post.

Strictly star, Anton Du Beke, has paid tribute to Ann Widdecombe following the news of her death today. The former Tory MP, 78, was partnered with the ballroom legend on the show back in 2010 when she made it through to week nine thanks to her sheer grit and comedy appeal. A murder investigation has been launched into the death of former MP and MEP Ann Widdecombe at her home on Dartmoor, Devon and Cornwall Police said.

After Strictly, Anton praised the controversial character, saying he had greatly enjoyed dancing with the former Reform UK spokesperson. After waltzing around the dance floor sporting a pair of knee-length leggings under her frocks, the Celebrity Fit Club star developed a soft spot for the father-of-two, who would go on to become Strictly's judge.

Praising Ann today as fans reacted to news of her death, Anton said: "Hi, my loves, the saddest of news we’ve heard today of the passing of the lovely Ann Widdecombe. I had the most brilliant time with Ann on Strictly Come Dancing.

Piers Morgan has written a tribute to Ann Widdecombe following her death, describing the former MP and Strictly Come Dancing star - who he worked with many times over the years - as an “absolute tour de force”.

News broke of the former Conservative MP’s death earlier today, with her management team confirming that she had died at her home in Devon, at the age of 78. Police officers have since arrested a 26-year-old white, British man on suspicion of murder amid an ongoing investigation.

Taking to Instagram, Morgan offered his condolences in a lengthy post saying he was “so shocked and saddened” by the loss. He wrote: “What a horrendous way for such a wonderful character’s life to end. Ann was an absolute tour de force - opinionated, combative, fearless, principled, and highly intelligent.

Reacting to news of the arrest, the former Manchester mayor wrote on X: "This is terrible news.

"Ann Widdecombe brought conviction, wit and personality to public life over many years. My thoughts are with her family and friends."

Burnham is set to be Britain's next Prime Minister as the presumptive winner of Labour's ongoing leader nomination process, which will conclude next week. He previously sent his condolences to Widdecombe's loved ones.

‘Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said he was “deeply, deeply upset” by the nature of Ann Widdecombe’s death.

In a message shared on social media, the Reform leader said: “I am deeply, deeply upset by the nature of her death. 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."

Ann Widdecombe was a supporter of Nigel Farage and a Reform UK spokesperson(Image: Getty Images)

Katie Amess, the daughter of Sir David Amess, the Conservative MP who was murdered while holding a surgery in his constituency of Southend West, has issued a statement on Widdecombe's death commemorating the friendship the late politician had with her father.

She said: “I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Ann Widdecombe. 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.

"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.”

Katie Amess(Image: Lucy North/PA Wire)

Zack Polanski, the leader of the Green Party, has become the latest party chief to issue a statement on the death of Ann Widdecombe and subsequent investigation.

He has said in a post on X that he was "shocked to hear the news about the circumstances of Ann Widdecombe's death". He added: "My thoughts are with her loved ones at this distressing time."

Newton Abbot, where police say they arrested a suspect in relation to the murder of Widdecombe, is a relative stone's throw from her home in Haytor.

According to Google Maps, people can drive the roughly 10-mile distance in just under half an hour.

Neighbours of Widdecombe have been speaking about her following news of the investigation into her death.

Amog them is Susan Coysh, who told the BBC she was "devastated" to hear of the former politician's death. She said she was shocked something could happen "in this lovely setting where we live".

She said Widdecombe was "a character and a lovely lady", adding: "I can't see why anybody would want to hurt her... it hasn't sunk in yet actually."

Widdecombe's neighbours said they had no idea why someone would want to hurt her(Image: Stuart Clarke/Shutterstock)

A little over 15 years ago, Ann Widdecombe traded the corridors of power for a more tranquil life in the countryside.

In 2010 the political firebrand - never one to shy away from life in the public eye - swapped London for the secluded Dartmoor village of Haytor. Intent on a quieter existence overlooking the Dartmoor countryside, she bought a five-bedroom chalet-bungalow tucked away from civilisation.

But now the isolated home where she chose to spend her twilight years is at the centre of a murder investigation. Police in Devon today confirmed the 78-year-old former Tory minister turned Reform UK politician and TV star was found dead from "serious injuries" in the sprawling property. A 26-year-old white British man has been arrested on suspicion of murder.

Today's news conference from Devon and Cornwall was delayed by nearly an hour, and when it finally went ahead, was relatively short.

We have learned some critical facts about the investigation into Widdecombe's death, however, including:

• Police have arrested a 26-year-old white British man at an address in Newton Abbot
• The man, who is now in police custody, was arrested on suspicion of Widdecombe's murder
• Police are not treating the incident as terror-related following consultations with counter-terror policing
• Police also said there is no information indicating the incident was politically motivated
• It is "too early" to comment on whether or not the suspect was known to Widdecombe
• The murder inquiry is in its early stages, and police have issued an appeal to the public while also setting up a major incident portal which people can use to submit information that could aid the investigation

Devon and Cornwall Police Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman told a press conference that Ann Widdecombe’s death was not being treated as a terrorist incident.

Speaking at a press conference, Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman said: “A 26-year-old man was arrested in Newton Abbot this afternoon on suspicion of the murder of Ann Widdecombe.

“The suspect, who is a white British national, remains in police custody while inquiries continue.”

He continued: “Detectives from the force major crime investigation team have launched a murder investigation, and are conducting extensive inquiries into the circumstances surrounding Ms Widdecombe’s death.

“While we work closely with our partners and consulted counter-terrorism policing as part of our initial inquiries, the incident is not being treated as terrorism.

“A cordon remains in place at the property, while specialist officers continue forensic examinations. There are road closures in place around the scene, and the public will see significant police activity in the area while detectives and other officers continue house-to-house and CCTV inquiries.

“This is an extremely tragic incident. Our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of Miss Widdicombe in this very difficult time.”

Devon and Cornwall Police have opened a major incident public portal which people can use to submit information that may be useful to the investigation into Widdecombe's death.

The portal can be accessed here.

Police will have an increaed presence in Haytor as inquiries continue, Devon and Cornwall Chief Constable Matt Longman said.

There will be an increased police presence in Haytor as enquiries continue, police said(Image: BBC)

The police press briefing has now begun, with Devon and Cornwall Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman delivering the statement. He confirmed that investigators have arrested a 26-year-old white British male.

Matt Longman delivered today's press conference for Devon and Cornwall Police(Image: BBC)

Conservative former leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith told Sky News he was “enormously proud to have known” Ann Widdecombe, as he paid tribute to her.

Sir Iain, the Conservative MP for Chingford and Woodford Green, told the broadcaster: “The day started with sad news about Ann and her death. I and others reacted to that out of sadness.

“And then, what, an hour, an hour-and-a-half, maybe two hours ago, it suddenly became apparent that this sad news is tragic news.

“We cannot say for certain this is a murder case. But what we do know is it’s a violent act, one way or the other, and that is a tragedy for all of us who were very fond of Ann, and not the right way to go at all.”

He later added: “I have to say I was enormously proud to have known her. We didn’t always agree on everything, but we agreed on most things.”

Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle has become the latest figure to speak out following the news of the investigation into Widdecombe's death.

He said: "I'm deeply shocked to learn of the circumstances around Ann's death. The police investigation must now take its course and I hope anybody with relevant information will contact them."

Lindsay Hoyle

A spokeswoman for Andy Burnham said: “Andy’s deepest condolences and thoughts are with Ann’s family today, in incredibly distressing circumstances.

“Ann gave a lifetime of public service, and it’s absolutely right that the police put all their resources into investigating this as swiftly as possible.”

Andy Burnham is set to become the UK's new prime minister(Image: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)

Widdecombe spent her last interview - an appearance on TalkTV - praising Nigel Farage after he decided to resign as an MP and trigger a by-election.

She defended his re-election bid in Clacton as “the right course to take” a few days before she died, praising him as a "very decisive man", and for "taking matters into his own hands".

Anne Widdecombe was full of praise for Nigel Farage in her final interview(Image: Getty Images)

Sir Ed Davey, the Liberal Democrat leader, said he was “really shocked and distressed” after police announced they launched a murder investigation into Ann Widdecombe’s death.

Writing on social media, the Lib Dem leader said: “I’m really shocked and distressed at the news about Ann Widdecombe.

“She was a woman of deep faith who devoted her life to public service. The idea that she could have been murdered is truly horrifying.

“My thoughts and prayers are with her family and all who loved her.”

Sir Ed Davey speaking at a conference, on June 25(Image: Anadolu via Getty Images)

Widdecombe said she did get death threats but used to ignore them and simply throw them away during the same light-hearted interview last year.

She said: “I remember I used to get death threats from time to time. We all did. and my staff would say, shall we tell the police? And I'd say, put it in the bin. Because if the IRA are going to do it, they're not going to tell you in advance, they're just going to do it.

"As they did with Airey Neave. You know, they just do it. So I just said, put it in the bin. And I still take that attitude. I do know that we're in a slightly different world. I do know that. But I think it's crucial that MPs and their constituents intermingle freely.”

Widdecombe went on to insist that no MP should ever be scared to walk around their town or be afraid in their home.

Anne said: “David Amess, who was one of the MPs who was murdered, was my best friend in Parliament. I knew him terribly well, or knew him terribly well, and his family, of course. And I know, and I said this to his widow, who agreed with me, that he would never want his death used as a reason to distance MPs from their constituents.

"His belief, and it is still my belief, that an MP should be able to walk through the town on a Saturday afternoon, talk to their constituents. Absolutely. So I feel very strongly about that. In my day, it wasn't fundamentalist Islam. In my day, it was the IRA. And I suppose I had a slightly faithless attitude.”

David Amess, a former Tory MP, was murdered(Image: PA)

Keir Starmer has also addressed the investigation into Widdecombe's death this afternoon, saying he has been briefed on the circumstances.

Police are set to comb hours of security footage from Ann Widdecombe’s home and garden with the former MP having previously confirmed she had cameras in her home.

In October during a light hearted interview, Ann had been asked about the gnomes in her garden and security.

She said “I've never gone in for the big gates and the electronics and all that nonsense. So, no, I mean, anybody could come in and steal a gnome. I would pick them up on my cameras so if anybody wants to steal a gnome they'd better mask up.”

Anne Widdecombe house from above(Image: Sky News)