Kemi Badenoch condemns 'nasty, horrific attack' on Ann Widdecombe after 78-year-old 'murdered' at Devon home

- Get your news delivered straight to you by 7am - sign up to our new Morning Mail newsletter for FREE - READ MORE: White male suspect arrested over Ann Widdecombe 'murder' - See more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred Source Kemi Badenoch has condemned the 'nasty and horrific attack' on former MP and MEP Ann Widdecombe after she was 'murdered' at her home in Devon. Ms Badenoch said 'the Conservative party is reeling' after police officers found the former prisons minister covered in blood from a head wound in Haytor, Dartmoor, yesterday. The Tory party leader said: 'I've been stunned to hear this awful news. To be honest, I've really struggled to find the words to say. 'Ann Widdecombe was a very fun and feisty woman who spoke her mind and she was 78 years old, she was an elderly woman. 'I don't understand how someone could do something so horrific to an elderly person. It was a nasty, horrific attack and my heart is breaking for her family.' The 78-year-old's death was first announced by her management team this morning, but there was no suggestion that her death was suspicious. In an update this afternoon, Devon and Cornwall Police said officers had begun a murder inquiry and were hunting a 'white male' who they 'believe is responsible'. Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman has now told a press conference that a 26-year-old white British man has been arrested at an address in Newton Abbot. Ann Widdecombe last made an appearance on Talk TV on Wednesday. Her death was announced this morning by her agent Conservative party leader Kemi Badenoch has condemned the 'nasty, horrific attack' on the former Tory politician A police forensics van parked outside Ms Widdecombe's home where the body was found by officers Mr Longman said there was 'no information' at this time to suggest the murder was a 'politically motivated crime' or being treated as terror-related. Ms Badenoch said finding out that the former Conservative and Reform politician was 'murdered in this horrible way is just awful'. 'The Conservative Party is reeling,' she said. 'Ann was a long-standing member of the Conservative Party, she was a Conservative minister, and then she moved to Reform. 'I'm sure they're just as stunned as we are, and I extend my condolences to Nigel Farage and everyone in Reform on behalf of the Conservative Party, because we've both lost a friend.' Earlier today, Ms Badenoch shared a post on social media calling Ms Widdecombe a 'formidable politician'. The post read: 'My deepest condolences and those of the Conservative Party to the family and friends of Ann Widdecombe. 'She was a formidable politician who was never afraid to speak her mind and fought hard for what she believed. 'Always true to herself, her politics were strongly guided by her faith and her values. Rest in Peace, Ann.' Police officers stood outside Ms Widdecombe's home located in Dartmoor, Devon A picture of the politician's home, which she bought in 2008 The murder investigation has since sent shockwaves through British politics and beyond. Sir Keir said it was a moment to 'rise above any political differences' and said he had spoken to Nigel Farage, Andy Burnham and Kemi Badenoch. PM-hopeful and MP for Makerfield, Andy Burnham echoed Ms Badenoch and shared his sympathies with Ann Widdecombe's family. A spokesperson 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.' Mr Farage was also among those paying tribute to Ms Widdecombe earlier today, calling her an 'absolute force of nature'. The Reform UK leader told TalkTV: 'She never let anyone… with any doubt in their minds at all where she stood on all the great issues of the day, and she was formidable too.' Ann Widdecombe's nephew, Roger Widdecombe, has thanked the public for their messages of support. Reform UK party leader Nigel Farage paid tribute to Ms Widdecombe and called her an 'absolute force of nature' Speaking at the front door of his white fronted Victorian terraced home in Cheltenham, Mr Widdecombe said: 'My thanks go to everybody who has sent messages of condolences. 'But we are not going to say anything further at this stage. Thank you.' Known for her redoubtable, no-nonsense nature, Ms Widdecombe spent more than two decades as a Tory MP before becoming a Brexit Party MEP and joining Reform UK in 2023. She was last seen on Wednesday while appearing on Talk TV to back Nigel Farage in the Clacton by-election.