A 28-year-old man from South Yorkshire has been charged with murder following the death of former politician Ann Widdecombe at her home in Devon, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has announced.
Charges and Court Appearance
Joshua Kerry, of Rotherham, South Yorkshire, is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, according to the CPS. The 78-year-old Reform UK spokeswoman was found dead at her home in Haytor, Devon, on July 9.
Devon and Cornwall Police initially arrested Mr Kerry on suspicion of murder on July 11. On July 13, he was further arrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation, or instigation of acts of terrorism.
Prosecutor Statement
Frank Ferguson, Chief Crown Prosecutor for the CPS Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division, said: "We have decided to prosecute Joshua Kerry for murder following a police investigation into the death of Ann Widdecombe in Haytor, Dartmoor. Police enquiries into the defendant's motives are ongoing, including a potential political or terrorist connection."
Ferguson added: "Our prosecutors have worked closely with the police to establish that there is sufficient evidence to bring this case to court, and we will continue working with them as their investigation progresses. We remind all concerned that proceedings against the defendant are active and he has the right to a fair trial. It is vital that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information which could in any way prejudice these proceedings."
Background and Tributes
Ms Widdecombe was first elected as a Conservative MP in Kent in 1987, later serving as an MEP for the Brexit Party and as a spokesperson for Reform UK. She was also well known for her television appearances, including Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother.
Following the news of her death, tributes were paid across the political spectrum, with Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood describing her as "one of those rare politicians who was bigger than politics."
