Nigel Farage has been accused of using the death of Ann Widdecombe as “political propaganda” after he said he believed the death of the former minister was “premeditated murder”.
The former Conservative MP and ex-Reform UK spokesperson was found dead at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor on Thursday morning after sustaining serious injuries.
A 28-year-old white British man was arrested on suspicion of murder in Rotherham, 260 miles away, on Saturday evening.
Earlier on Saturday, Mr Farage paid tribute to Ms Widdecombe, telling reporters he did not believe her death was “a burglary that went wrong” and said a car had appeared on her drive at around 12.25pm on Wednesday.
Former Conservative MP Harvey Proctor, who was a close friend of Ms Widdecombe, told The Times: “Ann Widdecombe was far too dear to her family, friends and former colleagues for her murder to be exploited as political propaganda.
“The police have expressly asked the public not to speculate about the motive. It is therefore deeply disappointing that Nigel Farage has chosen to do precisely that.”
The Reform leader has faced mounting criticism in recent weeks after it emerged he failed to declare a £5m gift he was given by crypto-billionaire Christopher Harborne shortly before becoming an MP.
Mr Farage initially said the money was used to fund his personal security amid threats to his safety.
A source told the Mail on Sunday that Ms Widdecombe’s family “don’t want her death hijacked for political purposes”, and were “very uneasy” about Mr Farage attending the scene of the investigation.
It comes after Matt Longman, assistant chief constable of Devon and Cornwall Police, on Sunday urged against speculation.
He said: “We are aware of online and public speculation, particularly with regards to motive.
“Again, I urge people not to share or engage with that speculation – it’s unhelpful, it doesn’t aid our investigation, and particularly, it’s distressing to the family and friends of Ms Widdecombe.”
Responding to Mr Proctor’s criticisms, Mr Farage told The Times: “Harvey was very close to Ann, I know he is upset, but I was really careful not to be political.
“I was very clear in what I said. I said I would not speculate as to whether it was someone with a grudge, someone with mental health problems or someone with political problems.
“I also said very clearly that I didn’t believe for one moment that it was a burglary that went wrong and I am 100 per cent certain I am right on that.”
Meanwhile, Reform activist Matt Goodwin hit back on social media, saying: “Imagine if somebody had said Labour MPs were using the murder of Jo Cox for ‘propaganda’. Then why say it about Nigel Farage?
“Nigel knew Ann. He respected Ann. And they were incredibly good friends. The treatment of Farage is nothing short of disgraceful.”
