Joshua Kerry, a 28-year-old man from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, has been formally charged with the murder of Ann Widdecombe, according to statements from police and prosecutors. Kerry is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Tuesday to face the charge.
The investigation into the death of the 78-year-old former Conservative minister and Reform UK spokeswoman is being led by Counter Terrorism Policing South East, with support from Devon and Cornwall Police. Widdecombe was discovered dead at her home in Haytor, Devon, on Thursday, 9 July, having suffered serious injuries. Counter Terrorism Policing has stated that determining the motivation behind the incident—including any potential political factors—remains an active and critical avenue of their inquiry.
Laurence Taylor, head of UK Counter Terrorism Policing, addressed the press outside New Scotland Yard, emphasizing the complexity of the case. He noted that the investigation has been particularly intensive, with teams gathering a substantial amount of information that has generated more than 800 distinct lines of enquiry over the past week. Taylor confirmed that authorities are not currently seeking any other individuals in connection with the incident.
Kerry was initially arrested on suspicion of murder on 11 July. He was subsequently re-arrested on 13 July on suspicion of the commission, preparation, or instigation of acts of terrorism. Frank Ferguson of the Crown Prosecution Service’s special crime and counter terrorism division stated that prosecutors have worked closely with police to confirm there is sufficient evidence to bring the case to court.
He reminded the public that legal proceedings are active and urged against any reporting or commentary that could prejudice the defendant’s right to a fair trial.
Widdecombe’s political career spanned several decades. She served as the Conservative MP for Maidstone in Kent for 23 years and held various ministerial positions during the 1990s under Sir John Major’s government. Following her time in the Commons, she gained public attention through appearances on television programs including Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother.
In later years, she served as a Member of the European Parliament for the Brexit Party, representing the South West of England, before becoming a spokeswoman for Reform UK in 2023. Mourners have gathered in Haytor Vale to pay their respects to the late politician.
Tributes have been paid to the late politician by various leaders. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage described her as a "remarkable individual" and "the fiercest defender of free speech." Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch called her a "very fun and feisty woman," while Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey expressed his shock and distress, characterizing her as a "woman of deep faith who devoted her life to public service." Prime Minister Andy Burnham also offered his condolences, stating that Widdecombe provided a "lifetime of public service."
