‘God help us all’- Edwina Currie reacts to Ann Widdecombe murder probe

Edwina Currie has stated “God help us all”, after a murder investigation was launched into the death of her former Oxford neighbour Ann Widdecombe.

The 78-year-old, who once served as a Conservative prisons minister, later sat in the European Parliament for the Brexit Party before going on to become a spokeswoman for Reform UK.

Before her frontline political career, she studied Latin at Birmingham University, then moved on to philosophy, politics and economics at Lady Margaret Hall, University of Oxford, where she became active in the Oxford Union.

Police confirmed that officers are currently searching for a white male suspect believed to be responsible.

READ MORE: Murder investigation launched into death of Ann Widdecombe

Edwina Currie. (Image: Tony Iley)

Edwina Currie, a former Tory minister, began her Westminster career at the same time as Ms Widdecombe, with both later serving in junior roles under John Major’s premiership.

As young women at Oxford, the pair occupied neighbouring rooms in student accommodation, building a friendship that endured well beyond their days at Lady Margaret Hall and into their political careers.

Responding to the launch of the murder inquiry, Ms Currie told followers on social media platform X that she was “full of horror” over the events.

She said: “A frail 78-year-old lady, and they’re looking for a white male. God help us all.”

Ms Widdecombe, who appeared on Talk radio on Wednesday, lived in Haytor, near Newton Abbott in Devon.

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Devon and Cornwall Police said officers were called to an address in Haytor at 11.40am on Thursday and found Miss Widdecombe dead, having sustained serious injuries.

Detective Chief Inspector Ilona Rosson said: “This is an extremely tragic incident and our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of Ann Widdecombe at this difficult time.

“Our murder inquiry is in its early stages but moving at a significant pace. We are deploying all of the necessary resources to find out exactly what has happened and to locate the person responsible who we believe to be a white male.”

The Home Secretary urged the public not to speculate, describing the circumstances as “extremely distressing”.

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In a post on X, Shabana Mahmood said: “I am deeply saddened to hear of the death of Ann Widdecombe. The circumstances of her death are extremely distressing and my thoughts are with Ann’s family and loved ones.

“Ann’s dedication to public service was decades long, and she was a true servant of her constituents.

“I have spoken to the Chief Constable of Devon and Cornwall police today. The Home Office stands ready to provide whatever support they need with their ongoing investigation.

“I urge everyone to avoid speculation and allow the police investigation to progress.”

Miss Widdecombe’s management firm Cloud 9 urged people with information to contact the police and said: “We are absolutely devastated by this news following a very traumatic and upsetting 24 hours.”