Nigel Farage laid a large bouquet of white and purple flowers near the isolated Dartmoor home of murdered former MP Ann Widdecombe on Saturday, as he disclosed that the party has been urgently reviewing threats and abuse directed at her. Ms Widdecombe, 78, a towering figure in British politics for decades, was found dead with serious injuries at her rural Haytor property on Thursday morning.

Police believe she was attacked at about 12.30pm the previous day. A 26-year-old man arrested on suspicion of her murder was released without charge on Saturday, with detectives continuing their investigation at pace and insisting there is no risk to the public.

Mr Farage, accompanied by a colleague, placed the floral tribute close to the crime scene where police remain active.

Speaking to reporters, he described Ms Widdecombe as a “remarkable and principled woman” — “without doubt the best known female politician in Britain since Margaret Thatcher.” Mr Farage added, “Reform UK is certainly a much worse place without her.”

The Reform leader revealed the party had been combing through emails and records for patterns of abuse or threats against Ms Widdecombe, though none had yet been identified. He said Reform UK is “doing everything we can to support the police in every way” and expressed deep concern over rising dangers for public figures.

Mr Farage said, “Things have become even more dangerous” for people in public life, calling her killing “a terrible reflection on modern Britain” and a “truly dreadful way to die.”

The death has reverberated across Westminster. Prime Minister Keir Starmer called it “really shocking news.” Conservative leader Ms Badenoch said her heart was breaking for Ms Widdecombe’s family.

Mr Farage had earlier led tributes, praising her as an “extraordinary woman” who joined him in the Brexit Party in 2019 before becoming a prominent Reform UK spokesperson on immigration and justice.

A pugnacious debater known for her staunchly conservative views — opposing abortion and the expansion of LGBTQ rights — Ms Widdecombe served as an MP from 1987 to 2010, including as prisons minister under John Major. She later gained wider fame on reality TV shows such as Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother, and briefly served as an MEP.

Her killing comes amid heightened security concerns for politicians following the murders of Jo Cox in 2016 and David Amess in 2021. Mr Farage has warned of a broader climate of intimidation.

Locals and colleagues described Ms Widdecombe as kind and humorous in private, despite her combative public persona. Flowers have begun appearing outside her home, with one former aide calling the news “very sad.”

Reform UK has opened an online book of condolence. As the manhunt continues, Mr Farage’s visit underscored both personal loss and the party’s resolve amid tragedy.