As politicians share shock over murder investigation, Anton du Bec is devastated by Anne Widdecombe’s death.

Political leaders and TV star Anne Widdecombe have expressed their grief and shock at the death of Anne Widdecombe, as police are investigating the case as a murder.

In the year Anton du Beek, her partner on Strictly Come Dancing in 2010, said they were devastated by her death, calling it “sad news”.

“I had a great time with Ann, Strictly Come Dancing, she’s been a real friend, she’s fun, she’s polite, she’s positive, she’s supportive, she’s playful, she wants to get into the spirit of it all,” he said in a video posted on X shortly before the murder investigation.

Widdecombe, 78, was found seriously injured in her Devon home on Thursday morning, police said.

Police announced that they have arrested a 26-year-old white Englishman on suspicion of murder.

Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman told reporters the case was not being treated as terrorism and there was currently no evidence of a political motive in the death of the former Conservative minister and Reform UK spokesman.

Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch, to whom Widdecombe was shadow home secretary from 1999 to 2001, said the party was “tottering”.

She described Widdecombe as “a very interesting and articulate woman”.

“My heart breaks for her family,” she said.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called Widdecombe an “eminent politician” and described her dream as a “huge loss”.

Calling on people to “rise above all political differences”, his thoughts are with her family “at this terrible time”.

Starmer said he had spoken to Speaker of the House of Commons Lindsay Hoyle, Badenoch, Reform UK’s Nigel Farage and MP Andy Burnham “to urge everyone to come together”.

Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey described Widdecombe as “the idea that a woman of deep faith, who has devoted her life to public service, could be killed is truly appalling.”

He said his thoughts and prayers are with her family and all those who loved her.

Labor Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: “Anne has given a lifetime of public service, and the police are right to put all their resources into investigating this as soon as possible.”

Before the murder inquiry was announced, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said Widdecombe was “missed by all of us” and “voters loved her”.

A statement from Widdecombe’s agent announcing her death on Friday morning did not provide specifics on the circumstances of her death.

In a follow-up statement on Friday, Widdecombe’s management said: “We are deeply saddened by this news following a very traumatic and tragic 24 hours.”

“We fully support the police in their investigation and reiterate the family’s wish not to be contacted at this difficult time.”