Emotional Jeremy Vine couldn't hold back the tears as he broke down live on air following the death of his friend and occasional co-star Ann Widdecombe.

Ann, a regular guest on his Channel 5 programme, was found dead hours after she was due to appear on his show. A member of his team had been in contact with the former politician on the day she died, but she failed to turn up up for the online interview.

The 78-year-old had accepted invitations to be the Jeremy Vine Show more than 50 times, and also rarely said no when asked to go on his Radio 2 show.

Guest Iain Dale, on the Channel 5 programme, told Jeremy: "She loved coming on it. She loved your viewers and she loved you. You were part of her family and she really spoke very highly of you, and I know you went out of your way to be kind to her."

Jeremy thanked him for his kind words and became visibly emotional as his voice began to crack. Looking down and away from the camera, the host's eyes started to fill with tears.

Struggling to get his words out, he said: "Well, that is too much to hear today. Thank you so much, Iain. We are involved here because, on the day of her death, this office was in touch with her by chance."

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Jeremy Vine break down on TV show over Ann Widdecombe death(Image: Channel 5)

Andy Burnham, who is set to become Labour's next leader later this week, shared a statement on the death of Ann Widdecombe.

In a post on X, the Makerfield MP said: "This was an appalling act of violence against someone who has contributed so much to our national life.

These are very concerning developments and the police must be given the resources and space they need so justice can be done as quickly as possible. My thoughts go out to Ann's friends and family and all who loved her."

Andy Burnham giving a speech, on June 29(Image: AP Photo/Alastair Grant)

Politicians from all sides of the UK political spectrum shared words on Ann Widdecombe this evening in the House of Commons.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood called the ex-MP "forthright and fearless", adding that Widdecombe was "one of those rare politicians who was bigger than politics".

Conservative shadow home secretary Chris Philp said Widdecombe "always fearlessly spoke her mind". He added: "She always said exactly what she believed and exactly what she thought. Her integrity and her fortitude were unmatched."

Lib Dem MP Max Wilkinson called Widdecombe a "conviction politician" and a "passionate public servant who was never afraid to challenge those in power".

SNP MP Pete Wishart said the ex-minister was a "larger than life political figure".

Paid Cymru MP Liz Saville Roberts said: "We will remember where we were when we heard the news once again that, in this case a former member of parliament but, somebody who lived the same lives as ourselves died in such a hideous, shocking way."

Conservative MP Sir Julian Lewis told MPs he had previously worked with colleagues on greater privacy rules for MPs' home addresses.

He urged MPs today to "keep your home addresses as private as you possibly can".

Sir Lewis, the MP for New Forest East, said the Commons between 2008-09 "spent a lot of time taking steps" to make sure MPs could keep their homes private.

This included ensuring home addresses did not have to be shared on ballot papers or in response to Freedom of Information requests.

This evening he told fellow MPs to "not throw away the gains we made".

The Shadow home secretary urged the public not to speculate about the death of Ann Widdecombe because it makes the job of police harder and could prejudice a trial.

Chris Philp told the Commons: "I'd like to thank the police for releasing the information they have so far, including about the identity of the suspect.

"It is always important to release as much information as possible in the interests of transparency and to avoid misinformation filling the void."

On threats to those in public life, Mr Philp said: “We must redouble our efforts to ensure that public political figures who are MPs, and those like Ann who are not MPs, always receive the proportionate protection they need.”

He added that politicians should "set an example of civility and calm, and not inflame".

SNP MP Pete Wishart also echoed this message and told the Commons there will be "temptation to speculate" about what happened particularly from people with "malevolent intent on social media".

Mother of the House Diane Abbott, the independent MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington, said technology has made the abuse which politicians face "much much worse" than when she was first elected in 1987.

Ms Abbott, the longest continuously serving woman MP, told the Commons that abuse had become "much much worse with the rise of online activity".

In her response to the death of former MP Ann Widdecombe, she said: "We need to a way to make some of these online companies more accountable for the threats and the violence that they allow on their platforms."

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said Ms Abbott had demonstrated "personal bravery" but added: "It should not take such levels of bravery to just be able to represent the people of your constituency."

She said the Government and parliamentary security department "will work very closely" together to tackle online abuse.

Nigel Farage was offered a meeting with the head of the parliamentary body responsible for politicians' security, Shabana Mahmood has said.

In the Commons today, the Home Secretary said: "I recognise the particular concern that the Reform Party will feel today, and of course Nigel Farage, the party’s leader.

"I'm happy to offer a meeting for Mr Farage with the chair of Ravec (Royal and VIP Executive Committee), the independent body within the Home Office that manages the security of those in public life."

Farage, on X, posted to thank Mahmood and said: "Thank you for this offer @ShabanaMahmood. I will meet with the Chair of RAVEC and discuss the security of all Reform politicians, including those who are not MPs."

Shabana Mahmood has said the man in custody allegedly linked to the death of Ann Widdecombe "was not known" to the Prevent anti-extremism programme.

Making a statement in the House of Commons, the Home Secretary told MPs: "The police now have a suspect in custody, a 28-year-old white British man. And I can confirm to the House that this man was not known to Prevent.

"The police have cautioned against speculating about the case – that is the right thing to do for Ann’s family and friends."

Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle said MPs' security concerns are treated equally and are "passed on to the security people to deal with".

The Speaker stood up in the Commons, while MPs paid tribute to ex-MP Ann Widdecombe, to discuss the security of members of Parliament.

He said: "Every member of Parliament is equal in their security to me – there is no difference between any member, I want to reassure you.

"When things are brought to my attention – because we don't discuss security, I don't put out there what is happening, what has been done – but I reassure everybody that when it is mentioned to me, it is passed on to the security people to deal with. Unfortunately, I’m sorry that people don't think I do that."

Zia Yusuf, Reform UK's home affairs spokesman, on Sunday claimed in a post on X that Sir Lindsay, the Government and the police did not "care at all about the security of Reform MPs".

Sir Lindsay also paid tribute to Widdecombe and said: "I’ll just say on a personal level, Casa Pizza in Lambeth, in Kennington, is where I spent a lot of time in the evening sharing a pizza with the one and only Ann Widdecombe.

"She was a friend in many ways. Politically, we may not agree, but she was without doubt a courageous, principled politician and all of our thoughts are with family and her friends."

Sir Lindsay Hoyle speaking in the Commons this evening(Image: House of Commons/UK Parliament/PA Wire)

Images grabbed from CCTV footage show the dramatic moment police arrested a man on suspicion of the murder of former-MP Ann Widdecombe, around 300 miles away from her home.

The ex-minister turned TV star, 78, was found dead at her house in Haytor on Dartmoor at about 11.40am, on Thursday, after sustaining serious injuries. A 28-year-old white British man was arrested on suspicion of her murder on Saturday, with footage showing the moment he was detained.

Video, shared with Sky News, showed a man with no top on being arrested by armed police officers after they arrived at the home in South Yorkshire.

Dramatic moment Ann Widdecombe murder suspect arrested 300 miles away from ex-MP's home

Dramatic CCTV has emerged of the arrest

Our political correspondent, Sophie Huskisson, now has larger take on Shabana Mahmood's promise in the House of Commons...

Shabana Mahmood has promised to look at MPs' security guidance after the alleged murder of veteran politician Ann Widdecombe.

The Home Secretary said the job of an MP should not be a "dangerous" one as she called this moment "a dark day in our political life".

Politicians have been left reeling by death of the 78-year-old, who served as a Conservative MP for 23 years. After quitting Parliament, she later joined Reform UK.

Ms Mahmood said Ms Widdecombe was "a distinctive and devoted public servant". She also paid tribute to Jo Cox and Sir David Amess, who were murdered while serving as MPs.

Shabana Mahmood issues MPs' security update after Ann Widdecombe killing

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood made a vow(Image: PRU/AFP via Getty Images)

The Home Secretary, also MP for Ladywood, Birmingham, adds: "Mr Speaker, I know this raises questions about the security of those in public life.

"I will not be the only one here thinking also of two other beloved members of this House; Jo Cox and Sir David Amess.

"Politics is a calling, for those of us here. But it should not be a dangerous one.

"And so it is incumbent on the House and the Government to work together to protect those who choose to serve."

Shabana Mahmood has paid tribute to Ann Widdecome. Speaking in the House of Commons, the Home Secretary said: "It is with great sadness that I say those words.

"My thoughts today are with her family, her friends, and all those who loved her. Ann Widdecombe dedicated her life to politics and public service. For nearly forty years, she was a fixture of our political life.

"She brought conviction to our politics, grounded in her profound Catholic faith. She was forthright in her opinions, and argued courageously for the things she believed in... Today, is a dark day in our political life."

Downing Street has urged the public to respect the integrity of the investigation into the death of Ann Widdecombe.

Asked about speculation surrounding the case, the Prime Minister's official spokesman said: “The police have been very clear that this is a live murder investigation. We would echo their message that it is important the integrity of the investigation is protected and supported while officers carry out their work.

“We would also urge anyone with information that could assist the investigation to come forward and contact the police.”

Dee McVey, chair of local interest group, Okehampton U3A, said she had invited Ann to visit a horse stable on the day she died. The pair became friends after Dee invited Ann to speak at a U3A event at the Union Inn in Moretonhampstead just a few weeks earlier.

“She was an amazing woman,” Dee said. “She gave so many talks for the U3A, always free of charge. She would often sell her books at our meetings and donate all the proceeds back to the U3A. She was incredibly generous and kind, and over time she became a dear friend.

“She absolutely loved horses. She was due to come to a race meeting at the end of October and was really looking forward to it. She had stables behind her house and used to own a horse.

“What makes it even more upsetting is that we had arranged for her to visit a local stable last Wednesday, but she had to cancel because of television commitments.”

Ann Widdecombe is pictured at home(Image: Christopher Jones/Shutterstock)

Ann Widdecombe was killed shortly before she was due to appear on television and her body was not found for 24 hours.

The former Tory minister was bludgeoned to death in her house 30 minutes before she was set to appear via video call from home, on Channel 5’s Matt Allwright show.

The 78-year-old woman had last messaged a producer at 12.19pm but failed to respond to a text at 12.48pm. Devon and Cornwall Police revealed she was killed at 12.30pm on Wednesday in the bungalow where she lived alone with her cat on the edge of Dartmoor National Park.

ITV Loose Women has issued a breaking news update on the investigation into Ann Widdecombe’s death.

After returning from an add break on ITV, Christine Lampard, who fronted the Loose Women panel today, said: "Welcome back, just before the break we were talking about Ann Widdecombe, who was found dead on Thursday.

"In the last few minutes, police have revealed the counter-terrorism police are now leading the investigation into her death. The police have just said new information and evidence has come to light. So a very much developing story."

Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle has also urged MPs not to say anything that might prejudice a future trial after Anne Widdecombe’s death.

"In light of the ongoing police investigation, I would urge members to take care not to say anything in this house that might prejudice a future trial," he said.

Sir Lindsay Hoyle makes a statement to the House of Commons(Image: House of Commons/UK Parliament/PA Wire)

Sir Lindsay Hoyle, the Speaker of the House of Commons, paid tribute to Miss Widdecombe.

He said: "Before we begin today, I'd like to pay a tribute to Ann Widdecombe who died in tragic, deeply troubling circumstances last week. Ann was a formidable politician, a prominent figure in public life.

"She was a member of Parliament for Maidstone for 27 years, holding a number of ministerial posts in the 90s. Ann was fierce and enjoyed robust political debate.

"Whether you agree with her or not, she was principled, spoke her mind and was true to her beliefs, which were informed by a Christian faith.

"Ann was a close friend to David Amess, who was murdered in 2021, and both were fellow animal lovers. In light of the ongoing police investigation, I would urge members to take care not to say anything in this House that might prejudice some future trial."

He went on: "On a personal level, Casa Pizza in Lambeth, in Kennington is where I spent a lot of time in the evening sharing a pizza with the one and only Ann Widdecombe.

"She was a friend in many ways. Politically we may not agree, but she was without doubt a courageous principal politician and all our thoughts are with her family and her friends."

Miss Widdecombe had been a prominent voice for decades, known for her robust personality and socially conservative views opposing abortion and the expansion of LGBTQ+ rights.

Miss Widdecombe was a lawmaker in the House of Commons from 1987 to 2010, serving in roles including prisons minister in Prime Minister John Major’s 1990s Conservative government.

But she found fame after leaving Parliament as a contestant on the reality television shows Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother.

The star later joined the Brexit Party, briefly serving as a member of the European Parliament before Britain left the European Union in 2020. Most recently, she joined the anti-immigration Reform UK party, often appearing in the media as a spokesperson.

Friends and colleagues contrasted her pugnacious political statements with her personal kindness and good humour.

Ann Widdecombe speaking during a Reform UK General Election campaign launch(Image: PA Wire)

These photographs show plenty of floral tributes to Ann Widdecombe.

They have been placed near her home in Haytor, Devon, where Miss Widdecombe, 78, was found dead.

The tributes include pictures of the veteran politician, and emotional, handwritten letters.

New images capture floral tributes near Miss Widdecombe's house(Image: Tom Wren / SWNS)

Photographs of Miss Widdecombe have been placed among the flowers(Image: Tom Wren / SWNS)

The re-arrest on alleged terrorism offences gives police the powers under the Terrorism Act to detain a suspect without charge for up to 14 days.

Devon and Cornwall Police had said there was nothing to suggest the attack was terrorism-related, so the new information seems to be a significant development in the investigation.

But, like Devon and Cornwall Police said, Counter Terrorism Police has urged "anyone with any information" to share it with them online.

Counter Terrorism Police work with the UK intelligence community to help protect the public and our national security.

Officers from forces across the UK collaborate to prevent, deter and investige terrorist activity. The unit says "choices have to constantly be made about resources" but they lead investigations on cases deemed to pose a threat to national security.

It is unclear what the "new information and evidence" is on the Miss Widdecombe case but this has led to CTP taking the lead on this one. We know investigations have happened in Devon and South Yorkshire (the latter where the latest arrest was made) and CTP's team stretches across the UK.

They generally become involved where there is suspected terrorism or offences under UK terrorism legislation. Now, the suspect has been re-arrested on suspicion of commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.

Shabana Mahmood, the Home Secretary, says officers are investigating "multiple lines of enquiry".

She posted on X, which was known as Twitter, "new information and evidence" has come to light.

The politician will update MPs on the “horrific” murder later today.

The 28-year-old white British man in custody has been re-arrested on suspicion of commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism, Counter Terrorism Policing South East (CTP) said.

It comes after "new information and evidence" came to light — and it means counter terrorism police are now in charge of the case.

Head of National Counter Terrorism Policing, Laurence Taylor, said: “Building on the progress made by our colleagues in Devon and Cornwall Police, we now have new information and evidence that means Counter Terrorism Policing is now leading the investigation.“We are pursuing multiple lines of enquiry to establish the motivation for this attack.“Our priority is progressing this investigation quickly, with all the capabilities we have available to us. If anyone has any information, please share it with the police.“We would like to thank local communities, the wider public and the media for their ongoing support and patience, and would ask them to continue to support us in the next stage of the investigation.”

A police cordon remains in place near Miss Widdecombe's home(Image: Tom Wren / SWNS)

Counter terrorism police are now leading the investigation into the death of Ann Widdecombe, after “new information and evidence has come to light”, Counter Terrorism Policing South East (CTPSE) has said.

Specialist officers from across the network have been working alongside colleagues in Devon and Cornwall Police since a murder investigation was launched last week.

CTPSE will continue to work closely with colleagues from the Devon and Cornwall Police Major Crime Investigation Team and across the Counter Terrorism Policing network in an effort to establish the full circumstances of the incident which led to this murder investigation.

Head of National Counter Terrorism Policing, Laurence Taylor, said: “Building on the progress made by our colleagues in Devon and Cornwall Police, we now have new information and evidence that means Counter Terrorism Policing is now leading the investigation.

“We are pursuing multiple lines of enquiry to establish the motivation for this attack.

“Our priority is progressing this investigation quickly, with all the capabilities we have available to us. If anyone has any information, please share it with the police.

“We would like to thank local communities, the wider public and the media for their ongoing support and patience, and would ask them to continue to support us in the next stage of the investigation.”

Reform UK MPs are being placed under round-the-clock security protection as police press ahead with their murder investigation into the death of Ann Widdecombe.

The veteran politician, a former Tory minister and later Reform spokesperson, was discovered dead at her Haytor home on Dartmoor at around 11.40am on Thursday, having sustained serious injuries.

As reported by The Mail on Sunday, Reform's MPs have been placed under 24-hour protection in the wake of Miss Widdecombe's death. The party is reportedly footing the bill for the security. Reform leader Nigel Farage travelled to Devon on Saturday to lay a wreath in honour of Miss Widdecombe, speaking to waiting reporters about the case while there.

Reform UK MPs 'given 24-hour security' after Ann Widdecombe's death

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has raised security concerns(Image: Wayne Perry)

If Devon and Cornwall Police have been granted the 96-hour window with which to question the suspect, they would be working to bring a charge by approximately Wednesday at 9pm.

The Mirror has approached the force for clarity on whether this extension — used in exceptional cases, such as murder cases ike this — has been allowed. We will provide the confirmation as and when we get this.

But it may be the suspect has been released as the 36-hour window - granted after the constabulary applied fror the first extension - would have expired this morning. Again, the Mirror is verifying these details.

Footage taken by the Mirror shows several forensic officers enter a property in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, in relation to the investigation.

Neighbours there have spoken of their shock, and part of one man's interview is featured in the footage below.

It was taken on Sunday afternoon when there was a significant police presence outside the property in the Kimberworth Park area of Rotherham, which is the northwest of the town.

The Mirror has this morning published a clear explainer on the case.

With police urging the public to refrain from engaging in speculation online, our team have verified information and published such from authoritative sources.

Here, Anders Anglesey explains the facts; from when Miss Widdecombe's body was found to details on the arrests.

Everything we know as man arrested amid Ann Widdecombe murder investigation

Police outside Ann Widdecombe's home(Image: Oscar Rihil/PA Wire)