Man, 26, arrested on suspicion of murder after Ann Widdecombe found dead at home

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Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has released a video statement describing Widdecombe – a spokesperson for his party – as having been an “extraordinary” and “remarkable, principled woman”.

He says he is “deeply, deeply upset by the nature of her death,” adding that she would “not have harmed a fly”.

“She was kind to everybody. Frankly this was somebody who gave her life to public service, to fighting for the things that she believed in,” he says.

Widdecombe also reached “way beyond politics”, he says, describing her TV appearances in shows like Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother.

“She wasn’t just a politician, she was a celebrity,” he says.

“Our nation is a much, much poorer place without her. Reform UK is certainly a much worse place without her,” he says, adding that he was expecting to see her in the next few days.