British police release suspect in Widdecombe death

British police on Saturday released a 26-year-old man

they arrested as a suspect in the killing of Ann Widdecombe,

a former British member of Parliament and reality TV contestant.

Widdecombe was found dead Thursday in her isolated rural home

on the edge of Dartmoor National Park in southwest England.

Aerial video obtained by The Associated Press shows the house

of the former lawmaker in Dartmoor.

78-year-old Widdecombe was found dead in her home

in southwest England on Thursday with serious injuries.

Matt Longman, Chief Superintendent, Devon and Cornwall Police

Officers were called to Miss Widdecombe's home at Haytor

by the ambulance service around 11:40 a.m. on Thursday, the 9th of July.

Sadly, 78-year-old Miss Widdecombe was located deceased within the property.

She has sustained serious injuries.

Police later said that a 26-year-old suspect initially arrested on suspicion

of the murder had been released and is no longer part of the investigation.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer was shocked by the news

saying her death is a huge loss.

Keir Starmer,UK Prime Minister said

This is really shocking news and my thoughts, I think all of our thoughts,

will be with the family and friends of Ann Widdecombe at this awful time

for them. Ann was a distinguished politician over many, many years

with many achievements and it's a huge, huge loss.

Kemi Badenock UK opposition leader said

Ann Widdecombe was a very fun and feisty woman who spoke her mind

I don't understand how someone could do something so horrific to an

elderly person. It is a nasty, horrific attack and my heart is breaking

for her family.

Widdecombe was a former Conservative lawmaker and later

joined the Brexit Party.

She also became a spokeswoman for the anti-immigration Reform UK party.

She was known for her socially conservative views opposing abortion

rights and expansion of LGBTQ rights.

She served in the House of Commons as an MP from 1987 to 2010.

The management company that represented her after she left

politics said her life and career were driven by strong Christian values

and a commitment to public service.

She was also known for her appearances on reality TV shows such as

Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother.