A 26-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murdering former Conservative minister and Reform UK figure Ann Widdecombe has been released from police custody and is no longer under investigation, Devon and Cornwall Police have confirmed.

The suspect, who was arrested in Newton Abbot on Friday, had been questioned in connection with the death of the 78-year-old former MP, whose body was discovered with serious injuries at her home in Haytor, on the edge of Dartmoor. However, investigators have now said there is no evidence linking the man to the killing, and he has been released without further action. Police stressed that the murder investigation remains active as detectives continue to pursue other lines of enquiry.

Officers were called to Widdecombe's property on Thursday after an ambulance crew raised the alarm. She was pronounced dead at the scene, prompting the launch of a major murder investigation led by the Devon and Cornwall Police Major Crime Investigation Team. Forensic officers have continued to examine the property and surrounding area, while detectives are reviewing CCTV footage and appealing for information from the public.

Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman has previously said there is no evidence to suggest the killing was politically motivated or linked to terrorism. Police have also urged people not to speculate while inquiries continue, adding that identifying whoever is responsible remains their highest priority.

Widdecombe served as the Conservative MP for Maidstone from 1987 until 2010 and held several ministerial roles, including prisons minister under Sir John Major. In later years she became a prominent supporter of Brexit, serving as a Brexit Party MEP before joining Reform UK. She was also well known outside politics through television appearances on programmes including Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother. Tributes have continued to pour in from across the political spectrum as the investigation into her death enters its third day.