A 26-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder following the death of Ann Widdecombe, police say
Devon and Cornwall Police say a white British male is in custody after the 78-year-old was found dead in her home on Thursday having suffered serious injuries
The incident is not being treated as terrorism and there is "no information" to suggest it was politically motivated, they add
Police say it is too early to comment on whether the suspect was known to Widdecombe
PM Keir Starmer says the murder investigation is "shocking news", while Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch says she is "stunned" over the "horrific" incident
Widdecombe, a former Conservative minister turned Reform UK spokeswoman, served as the MP for Maidstone in Kent for 23 years
Edited by Jamie Whitehead and Imogen James
The death of Ann Widdecombe is being investigated by Devon and Cornwall Police, the BBC understands.
This is a breaking news story - we will bring you the latest updates as we get them.