Ann Widdecombe’s beloved pet cat has been confirmed safe after being rescued from the former Cabinet minister’s Devon home shortly after her body was discovered. The update has brought some comfort to supporters mourning the 78-year-old politician, whose rescued ginger cat, Aloysius, was one of the constants in her quiet life on Dartmoor.
Concerns over the cat’s welfare emerged almost immediately after news broke that Widdecombe had been found dead at her isolated bungalow near Haytor, Devon. Counter-terrorism detectives are now leading the investigation into what police have described as a “targeted attack”, but those close to the former MP have confirmed her much-loved companion was quickly removed from the property and is now being well looked after.
Journalist Peter Cardwell shared the update after speaking to Widdecombe’s management team.
Posting on social media, he wrote: “Ann Widdecombe’s management tell me: ‘Aloysius 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 message was welcomed by animal lovers and Widdecombe’s supporters, many of whom had been asking what had happened to the cat after police sealed off the property following the discovery of her body.
Aloysius was the latest in a long line of rescue cats that shared Widdecombe’s home over the years.
Although she became one of Britain’s best-known politicians and television personalities, those closest to her often said animals were among the most important parts of her life.
She never married or had children and frequently spoke about the companionship her pets provided after leaving frontline politics.
Over the years she cared for several rescue cats, including Pugwash and Carruthers, both of whom became familiar names to many of her supporters through interviews and social media.
Visitors to her secluded Dartmoor home often recalled cats wandering freely through the house while Widdecombe discussed politics, religion or her latest television appearances.
Her affection for animals extended far beyond her own pets.
Throughout her political career she was a vocal supporter of stronger animal welfare protections and worked closely with several charities.
She served as a vice-president of the RSPCA and was a long-standing patron of Cats Protection, regularly using her public profile to promote responsible pet ownership and support rescue centres.
She was also an outspoken opponent of fox hunting and repeatedly campaigned for tougher animal welfare legislation during her years in Parliament.
In 2018, Widdecombe officially opened Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary’s new £18,000 kitten unit in Lancashire, a specialist facility built to care for vulnerable kittens and nursing mothers.
The visit left a lasting impression on staff at the sanctuary.
Following news of her death, Bleakholt paid tribute to one of its most recognisable supporters.
A spokesperson 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.”
Earlier this year, Widdecombe’s devotion to animals made headlines after she was injured while trying to save a mouse from one of her cats.
She slipped on bathroom tiles at her home after attempting to rescue the animal and was taken to Newton Abbot Community Hospital for treatment.
After recovering, she praised NHS staff, describing them as “super-efficient” and thanking them for the care they had provided.
Friends said the incident perfectly reflected her character, noting she was always prepared to go out of her way to protect animals, no matter how small.
The confirmation that Aloysius escaped unharmed comes as detectives continue piecing together Widdecombe’s final hours.
Police believe she was attacked at around 12.30pm on July 8 after spending the morning taking part in media interviews from her home.
Earlier that day she appeared on TalkTV before recording a pre-arranged interview with Christian radio station TWR-UK.
She later exchanged messages with producers ahead of a scheduled appearance on Channel 5’s Matt Allwright Show, replying to a text at 12.19pm.
However, she failed to join a Zoom link sent at 12.48pm and stopped responding to further attempts to contact her.
When colleagues were unable to reach her, concerns began to grow.
Her body was discovered the following morning inside the property after she suffered catastrophic head injuries.
A 28-year-old man from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, was arrested on Saturday evening on suspicion of murder before later being re-arrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.
Counter Terrorism Policing assumed control of the investigation after officers uncovered what they described as “new information and evidence”.
Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor has since confirmed detectives believe Widdecombe was deliberately targeted, although they are still working to establish exactly why she was killed.
Police are examining CCTV footage, forensic evidence and electronic devices while also investigating whether the suspect may have intended to target anyone else.
The suspect remains in custody and has not been charged.
While the murder investigation continues to dominate headlines, the confirmation that Aloysius is safe has provided a rare piece of positive news for those mourning Widdecombe.
Her family will now decide where the rescue cat will live permanently once immediate arrangements have been made and the police investigation allows them to begin putting the former politician’s affairs in order.
For the countless people who knew how devoted Ann Widdecombe was to her animals, the knowledge that her faithful companion survived the tragedy has become one small source of comfort amid an investigation that continues to grip the nation.