IT is hard to know where to start with the senseless, gut-wrenching murder of Ann Widdecombe.
It is a story that has both united and divided the nation — now reeling from the needless killing of its third politician in the past decade.
Outspoken Ann Widdecombe was found dead at her isolated bungalow in Haytor, Devon by a carer Credit: Alamy
Local cops were so clearly out of their depth Credit: PA
Forget, for a minute, the Reform-voting 78-year-old’s opinions — you may not have agreed with them but Ann, a fearsomely bright woman, was absolutely entitled to hold them.
Yet it seemed clear to me, from the nanosecond the news broke, that she died because of who she was, and what she stood for.
For this was, quite evidently, a pre-meditated murder.
But no, said local cops — so clearly out of their depth that coverage of their “work” to date makes for painful reading.
This was not, they insisted, a politically motivated murder — and simultaneously, of course, they were busy arresting the wrong bloke.
So while a “white British 26-year-old” — a befuddled local tradesman — made headlines nationwide, another man was driving 270 miles back to Rotherham after being spotted leaving home five hours earlier with what looked like a long baton poking out of his shorts pocket.
I mean, anyone with a modicum of common sense might have figured that a 500-odd mile round trip wasn’t just a burglary gone wrong.
But not the boys in blue at the Devon and Cornwall constabulary.
The manner in which that squirming force has handled this horror story has been farcical from the start.
Indeed, if only poor Ann were here today, she would be the among the first to tear into such bungling. But she’s not.
Thankfully, then, the counter-terror cops have stepped in after “new information and evidence” came to light.
Finally, the grown-ups are in the room — liaising with Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood and throwing everything into cracking this most heartbreaking of cases.
Ann allegedly suffered severe head injuries after being bludgeoned Credit: Getty
Farage lays flowers at Dartmoor National Park near the home of Ann Credit: Reuters
Now, after being arrested on suspicion of murder, a 28-year-old “white British male” has been re-arrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.
News that will be of absolutely no surprise to anyone bar Devon and Cornwall Police.
It’s clear that the local cops, in their shaky defence, were keen to stop the spread of wildfire online conspiracy theories. But, instead, all they did was further fan the flames.
In stark contrast to those cops, Ann Widdecombe was a veritable force of a woman — bold, outspoken, fearless and passionate in her staunch beliefs.Wavering was not for our Ann.
Over the years, I would regularly call her for quotes on stories, and not once did she decline.
She was always forthcoming, professional, courteous and decent, to the very last. Even if we didn’t always agree on things.
Her tragic death also serves as a warning to anyone who may be thinking of going into politics.
Following the murders of Jo Cox, pictured, and David Amess, we have now had three abhorrent killings of politicians, from across the party political spectrum Credit: AFP
Following the murders of Jo Cox and David Amess, we have now had three abhorrent killings of politicians, from across the party political spectrum.
With bile spouted daily to MPs on social media, it is no wonder every single high-profile politician in 2026 must have a personal security detail to simply exist.
What hope do we have of attracting the bright young minds of tomorrow to Parliament if they cannot go about their jobs without being in fear for their lives?
Speaking on GMB, former Tory MP Nadine Dorries admitted she would not want her grown-up daughters to follow in her footsteps.
TV host Susanna Reid, meanwhile, revealed her son is contemplating a career in Westminster — and she admitted it made her nervous.
“One of my three sons is very political and would like to eventually go in to politics,” she said. “And this morning is the first time I’ve thought to myself, ‘I’m not sure I would support his bid to do that’, if this is what he is going to face.”
Who can blame her? In today’s climate, I wouldn’t wish a career in politics on my worst enemy.
OH poor, poor Mrs Schlongevity. As The Jattvibe revealed on Saturday, a man aged 103 was given Viagra to help keep him going in the bedroom.
The number of over-80s in the UK given help keeping their old man up has more than doubled since 2016.
As if getting old isn’t hard enough as it is — now this.
Pity the poor women.
I WAS RIGHT RAT TO ANNE
ANNE ROBINSON has revealed she’s quitting the Cotswolds after 40 years, and downsizing to a fancy pad in London.
The brilliant 81-year-old, who has the kind of active social life that would exhaust a woman half her age, describes the move as “heart-breaking”.
It is certainly the end of an era – as I know from personal experience.
A couple of years ago, the Weakest Link star invited me to her gorgeous £4million barn for a dinner party – the point of which was to set me up with a friend of her friend.
The “date” itself was a disaster, with not a hint of attraction on either side. We barely spoke all evening.
But the real nadir came during pudding when I heard a sudden commotion in the kitchen, and Anne SCREAMING.
I dashed in, only to be confronted by a giant dead rat under the stove.
It transpires my miniature dachshund, Dora, had nipped out into her topiaried grounds, caught said rat and proceeded to drag the gnarly beast back into Anne’s pristine home.
Anne was LIVID and I am yet to receive a return invite. Now, it sadly looks like I never shall.
Sorry, Anne x
Avian it large, Charles?
Who can forget Charles being attacked by a bald eagle? Credit: Getty
SURE, King Charles and Queen Camilla enjoy the trappings of royalty – the riches, the opulence and a freshly cooked breakfast in bed, daily.
But, by God, do they work hard for all that.
Imagine being in your seventies and being ordered to p-p-p-pick up a penguin, for yet another photocall – although the resulting pictures were joyous.
And who can forget Camilla and the horse? Or poor Charles playing basketball, riding a motorbike, making balloon animals, being attacked by a bald eagle or struggling to wield some garden shears at a 2024 ribbon-cutting ceremony.
A pair of stoical champs, both of them.
OH HOL YEAH!
WITH England on the cusp of bringing it home, Sir Keir Starmer is toying with the idea of introducing a bank holiday should we win the World Cup.
It wouldn’t surprise me if he does so – even if our boys fail to win this summer’s exhilarating tournament.
As the least popular PM of recent times – arguably, any times – what better way to go out than with a universally popular bang?
Giving people a bonus day off as his final move in power . . . finally, a legacy to be proud of.
MR AND MISSING
Judging by latest pictures, Victoria still isn’t a football convert Credit: Darren Fletcher
I MEAN, the clues were all there.
Victoria Beckham did famously once quip that she didn’t understand the offside rule, but was making it her mission to get more into football.
Judging by latest pictures, she isn’t yet a convert.
EASY ON TONSIL TENNIS
Sam Taylor-Johnson snogged Aaron as their two daughters looked on Credit: Getty
WHEN filmmaker Sam Taylor-Johnson got together with her now-husband Aaron, eyebrows were raised.
She was 42 and actor Aaron was 18 when they met on the set of John Lennon biopic Nowhere Boy, the 2009 movie she was directing.
Despite the 24-year age gap, they got together slowly after filming wrapped, and married in 2012.
They have spoken about the awful trolling they faced, with people labelling them “creepy” and “gross”.
Clearly they are happy, and have proven the naysayers wrong.
But what IS a tad gross, IMO, is snogging in the Royal Box at Wimbledon – with their two daughters looking on. No kid needs to see that.
Meme of the week
Christ, how powerful is Camilla’s fan! Credit: Supplied
