The heartbreaking joke Ann Widdecombe made in final text before her death
The Reform UK spokesperson was in fine form in a text exchange with a TV producer the day before she was killed
A heartbreaking exchange with a TV producer shows Ann Widdecombe joking about her age a day before she was killed in her home.
The exchange - which apparently occurred minutes after Ms Widdecombe emailed Express.co.uk to confirm an interview slot - captured the final ordinary moments in the life of the 78-year-old former Conservative minister and Reform UK figure.
Police have since launched a murder investigation. Just after appearing on TalkTV earlier that day, Ms Widdecombe was coordinating a 1pm Zoom interview for Channel 5's Matt Allwright show, reports the Express.
In the exchanges, shared via X by GB News, the researcher apologises for a mix-up over a previous refusal of an appearance slot. Ms Widdecombe responds warmly and helpfully, joking about "old age" being a terrible thing, and confirming the usual email address for materials and confirming receipt with "Received! Panic over!!" at 12:19pm — her final known message.
Minutes later, at 12:48pm, the producer messages again urging her to join the Zoom link. No reply comes. Multiple follow-up voice calls go unanswered between 12:53pm and 13:14pm.
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info
Police believe Ms Widdecombe was attacked around 12:30pm, meaning she had just 11 minutes of life left after her last text. She was found dead at her Dartmoor home the next day. Express.co.uk emailed Ms Widdecombe earlier in the day to arrange a phone interview and was told: "Ok but tied up all this morning."
She was then asked if she could speak between 3.30pm and 4pm and replied at 12.09pm to say: "Yes that is ok."
In a statement released on Saturday evening, Devon Police ACC Matt Longman said: "I want to start with expressing my thanks to the local community and to the people who have come forward so far with their information.
"We have been working at pace on this investigation. Officers are making progress and are pursuing a number of lines of inquiry.
"At this time, we have made the active decision not to release further information, including descriptions of any potential suspects or releasing CCTV footage. Releasing such information prematurely could compromise ongoing inquiries and may prejudice future investigative opportunities."
He said the decision not to disclose further details is made on an "operational basis", adding that the force will release information to the public when it is "appropriate and necessary".
Did you know you can make ChronicleLive a preferred source... Here's more information about what this means and how to do it - you can also do it straight away by clicking here.
