Joshua Kerry, a 28-year-old from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, has been named as the man accused of murdering former Conservative MP and Brexit Party MEP Ann Widdecombe. Kerry was originally detained on suspicion of murder on Saturday, July 11, before being re-arrested two days later on suspicion of commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism. He has not yet been charged, as police requested further time to question him.
Timeline of the Attack
Ms Widdecombe, 78, is believed to have been attacked in her bungalow on the edge of Dartmoor National Park on Wednesday, July 8, at around 12:30 PM. She was scheduled to appear via video call on Channel 5's Matt Allwright show 30 minutes later. She last messaged a producer at 12:19 PM but failed to respond to a text at 12:48 PM. Her body was discovered nearly 24 hours later, at 11:40 AM the following day.
Political Career and Tributes
Ms Widdecombe was first elected as a Conservative MP for Maidstone in 1987 and served until 2010. She later became an MEP for the Brexit Party and a spokesperson for Reform UK. She also appeared on Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he spoke to his likely successor Andy Burnham, Tory leader Kemi Badenoch, and Reform UK's Nigel Farage to urge unity. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood paid tribute, saying: 'Ann Widdecombe dedicated her life to politics and public service... She brought conviction to our politics, grounded in her profound Catholic faith.' House of Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle also paid tribute, recalling sharing pizza with her and urging MPs not to prejudice a future trial.
Investigation
Counter Terrorism Policing took over the investigation after Devon and Cornwall Police initially said there was 'nothing to suggest' the murder was politically motivated. Kerry was pictured smiling holding a jar of Easter eggs in 2024.
