Torbay Hospital campaign loses staunch supporter after death of Ann Widdecombe

A major community campaign in Torbay has lost a leading supporter after the death of political figure and celebrity Ann Widdecombe.

A police murder probe has been launched after she was found dead with serious injuries at her home at Haytor.

The Dartmoor community has been left in a state of ‘total shock’ after Miss Widdecombe was discovered at her ‘Widdecombe’s Rest’ property last Thursday (July 9) morning.

The 78-year-old former Conservative Minister, South West MEP and latterly Reform UK’s spokesperson for immigration and justice, was located deceased within the property. She may have sustained the injuries in an alleged attack 24 hours earlier.

Miss Widdecombe, who became an overnight TV sensation on the BBC’s Strictly dance show, was renowned for her no-nonsense ways and approach.

She was an ardent supporter of the Torbay Heart Campaign, firstly aimed at saving Torbay Hospital cardiac treatment services. The campaign has now grown into a Save Torbay Hospital battle amid fears that services across the hospital are under threat.

Miss Widdecombe strongly backed the campaign, warning that removing local services would "undeniably cause deaths" due to the perilous travel time.

Campaign chair Susie Colley never met the ex-MP but knew she was behind their crusade. She particularly admired Miss Widdecombe’s plain-speaking approach, admitting it mirrored the way she handled some issues.

Mrs Colley said: “I never met her but she was a big supporter of the campaign. She was always plain-speaking and not telling porkies.

“The campaign is ‘A’ political and although I would not support her political views, I would support her for the way she spoke with honesty, was forthright and stuck to her guns and nothing would move her. “I applaud her for that stance. She was a fantastic person and what has happened is dreadful.”

Counter Terrorism Policing is now leading the investigation into Miss Widdecombe’s death.

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

A 28-year-old white British man from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, was arrested on suspicion of murder on Saturday July 11.

Police said new information and evidence has come to light during what has been a dynamic and complex investigation and as a result, Counter Terrorism Policing South East is now leading the investigation.

The man in custody has since been re-arrested on suspicion of commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.

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 the 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 inquiry 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.” 

We continue to appeal for anyone who may have any information that could help our investigation to get in touch.

Any relevant information, images or footage can be reported via the Major Incident Public Portal https://mipp.police.uk/operation/50DC26S51-PO1 or to Devon and Cornwall Police on 101.

Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Further enquiries over to CTPSE (Counter Terrorism Police South East).