Police open investigation into the death of Ann Widdecombe

Her death had been announced earlier today

The news of her death was confirmed by her management on Friday (10 July) who said that the former MP and MEP died on Friday morning, adding that she would be missed "greatly".

However, things appear to have taken a turn after it was reported by The Telegraph that police are investigating her death.

Ann Widdecombe. Image: Getty.

It comes after she was found dead at her home in Dartmoor with there being no suggestion of anything other than natural causes of her death announced in the statement this morning from her management.

However, Devon & Cornwall Police are now investigating and a statement is expected to be made at 16:30 BST this afternoon.

Widdecombe served as MP for Maidstone for 23 years and was a minister of state for prisons and employment in John Major’s government.

She was perhaps most well known, however, for her TV appearances outside of politics, famously featuring on Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother.

In her later political career, she went on to join Reform UK and became a vocal supporter of Brexit.

In a statement, Cloud9 Management, who represented her for more than a decade, said: “It is with great sadness that today we announce the death of the Rt Hon Ann Widdecombe, DSG.

“We send our deepest condolences to Ann’s family and friends. We ask that the family’s wish not to be contacted at this sad time is respected.”