Joshua Kerry, a 28-year-old from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, has been charged with the murder of former Conservative minister and Reform UK spokeswoman Ann Widdecombe. He is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates Court on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, accused of attacking the 78-year-old in her bungalow on the edge of Dartmoor National Park in Devon.
Arrest and Charges
Kerry was initially arrested on suspicion of murder on Saturday, July 11, 2026. Two days later, he was re-arrested on suspicion of commission, preparation, or instigation of acts of terrorism. Counter Terrorism Policing has taken over the investigation, though Devon and Cornwall Police initially stated there was "nothing to suggest" the murder was politically motivated.
Timeline of the Killing
Ms Widdecombe was killed in her home on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, just 30 minutes before she was due to appear via video call on Channel 5's Matt Allwright show. She last messaged a producer at 12:19pm but failed to respond to a text at 12:48pm. Police believe she died at approximately 12:30pm. Her body was discovered in the kitchen of her bungalow at 11:40am the following day, nearly 24 hours after her death.
Background and Tributes
Ann Widdecombe served as a Conservative MP for Maidstone from 1987 to 2010, held ministerial posts in the 1990s, and later became an MEP for the Brexit Party and a spokeswoman for Reform UK. She also appeared on Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood paid tribute, saying: "Ann Widdecombe dedicated her life to politics and public service... She was one of those rare politicians who was bigger than politics." House of Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle also praised her as a "formidable politician" and urged MPs to avoid comments that could prejudice the trial.
Investigation and Court Proceedings
An inquest into Ms Widdecombe's death will be opened on Tuesday morning. Kerry, who has been unemployed since working as an office administrator two years ago, remains in custody. Terrorism legislation allows suspects to be held for up to seven days initially, with possible extensions to 14 days. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he spoke with party leaders to "urge everybody to come together at a moment like this."
