The beloved pet cat of the late Ann Widdecombe has been confirmed safe and well following his “quick removal from the scene” at her Devon home. Aloysius, the rescued ginger cat who was the constant companion of the former Conservative MP and Reform UK spokeswoman, is being cared for in a secure location following the tragic events at her home in Haytor Vale, Dartmoor, last week.
Concerns for the welfare of the animal were raised following the news of Ms Widdecombe’s death. However, assurances have been made that the pet was quickly and safely secured by responders. Journalist Peter Cardwell took to social media to reassure the public, writing: “[Ann Widdecombe’s] management [Cloud 9 Management] tell me: ‘Aloysuis was removed from the scene very quickly. He is safe, well cared for and Ann’s family will decide a long-term plan. Rest assured he is being his usual bossy self!'”
The news will bring immense relief to animal lovers across the country. Ms Widdecombe was famously devoted to her pets throughout her life. She never married, living quietly in the West Country with the latest in a series of cats – among them Pugwash and Carruthers – when not working in London or campaigning.
Her deep protection for her pets was highlighted just earlier this year when she ended up in A&E at Newton Abbot Community Hospital. The 78-year-old suffered a severe fall on her bathroom tiles after taking a tumble while trying to rescue a stray mouse from the clutches of her cat, later praising the “super-efficient” NHS staff who treated her.
Ms Widdecombe’s passion for animal welfare extended far beyond her own home. She was a prominent vice-president of the RSPCA, a patron of the Cats Protection League and actively championed rigorous animal protection laws during her decades in Parliament, famously opposing fox hunting.
Tributes have flooded in from across the animal welfare sector, including from Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary in Lancashire, where Ms Widdecombe served as a passionate supporter. In 2018, she officially opened the sanctuary’s new £18,000 kitten unit, designed to provide specialised care for mothers and their litters. A spokesperson for the sanctuary said: “Everyone at Bleakholt is devastated to hear of the death of Ann Widdecombe. Ann visited Bleakholt in 2018 and opened our £18,000 new kitten unit.
“She was a lovely lady who fell in love with a rabbit called Brandon while visiting us and kept in touch as well as making a donation. Our thoughts are with Ann’s family and friends.”
Police investigations into the circumstances surrounding Ms Widdecombe’s death remain ongoing, with counter-terrorism officers now leading the inquiry. While Devon and Cornwall Police initially ruled out a political motive, “new information and evidence” has led national counter-terrorism teams to take over the case to establish the true motivation behind the attack.
A 28-year-old suspect, arrested 260 miles away in Rotherham, has since been rearrested on suspicion of the preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism. Police believe Ms Widdecombe was attacked at her home at approximately 12.30pm on July 8 – nearly 24 hours before her body was discovered.