The precise medical cause of Ann Widdecombe's death has yet to be established, the opening of an inquest into her death heard on Tuesday. The former MP and MEP, 78, was found with visible injuries at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor, Devon, on July 9.
Inquest Details and Discovery
Philip Spinney, senior coroner for Devon, Plymouth and Torbay, told Exeter Coroner's Court that concerns were raised after Widdecombe was uncontactable. An employee was asked to carry out a welfare check and found her unresponsive with visible injuries. Emergency services were called, but she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Joshua Kerry, from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Tuesday charged with her murder. He was first arrested on suspicion of murder on July 11, two days after Widdecombe was found dead.
Additional Arrest and Court Proceedings
Two days after his murder arrest, Kerry was additionally arrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism, but he has not been charged with this offence. He has been remanded into custody.
Spinney stated: “Concerns were raised that Miss Widdecombe was uncontactable so an employee who was due at her home address was asked to carry out a welfare check. Miss Widdecombe was located within her property. She was found to be unresponsive with visible injuries. The emergency services were called and she was sadly declared deceased at the scene. A post mortem examination has taken place and at this stage the precise medical cause of death has yet to be established.”
Adjournment and Tributes
The coroner said the inquest would be adjourned until the conclusion of the criminal proceedings. He noted it was apparent Widdecombe was “much loved” and extended his “deep condolences” to her family.
Widdecombe was first elected as a Conservative MP in Kent in 1987 and later became an MEP for the Brexit Party and a spokeswoman for Reform UK. She also gained fame outside politics through appearances on Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother.
