Chris Mason
Political editor

Image source, Getty Images

Ann Widdecombe was an extraordinary character.

Sure, people would have strong views about her strong views, of course – those strongly in agreement and strongly in disagreement.

When I presented Any Questions on Radio 4, which alongside the job I do now was the biggest privilege I have ever had professionally, she was one of my favourite panellists.

Few of her words would wash over anyone – they would splash a listener in the face and demand a reaction.

Ann Widdecombe was pugnacious, charismatic, barbed and yes, had a sense of silliness too.

Widdecombe revelled in debate, even, perhaps particularly, when articulating positions as a lifelong social conservative that were no longer fashionable to many. There were too her views that wouldn't even curry favour with all those in her own party.

Let's be clear – some of her views were regarded by some as deeply offensive.

It is for you as a reader to come to your own view about her views.

What I can tell you is that plenty who knew her, whether they agreed with her or not, found her immensely likeable.

• Read more in my full piece on Ann Widdecombe

Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman adds that there will be a significant police presence in the area while detectives and officers carry out house-to-house and CCTV enquiries.

"This is an extremely tragic incident and our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of Miss Widdecombe at this difficult time.

“Our murder inquiry is in its early stages but moving at a significant pace. We are deploying all of the necessary resources to find out exactly what has happened."

We can now bring you comments from Devon and Cornwall Police's latest statement.

Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman says: “Our priority remains identifying those responsible and ensuring that all available evidence is thoroughly examined.

“Detectives continue to carry out numerous enquiries as part of the ongoing investigation and we remain committed to establishing the full circumstances surrounding the incident.”

He adds: "Detectives from the Force Major Crime Investigation Team have launched a murder investigation and are conducting extensive enquiries into the circumstances surrounding Miss Widdecombe’s death.

“A cordon remains in place at the property while specialist officers continue forensic examinations. There are road closures in place around the scene."

A 26-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murdering former MP Ann Widdecombe has since been released from custody and is no longer part of the police investigation, Devon and Cornwall Police say.

The force said on Friday that the man, a white British national, had been arrested at an address in Newton Abbot, Devon.

The body of the 78-year-old former Conservative minister and Reform UK spokesperson was found with serious injuries at her home in Haytor, a rural village on Dartmoor in Devon, at about 11:40 BST on Thursday.