Ann Widdecombe's family has released the details of her funeral in an update following her death. A private service for family and close friends will be held in the coming weeks, with a public memorial to follow later this year.
Family statement on funeral arrangements
In a statement, Ms Widdecombe's family said: “We understand that there is significant public interest in the funeral of Ann Widdecombe. A private service for family and close friends will be held in the coming weeks, and invitations for this ceremony have been distributed.”
“A more public memorial will follow later in the year, the details of which will be released in due course. While we are very grateful for the wide expression of condolences, the family would ask that this initial service is limited to those closest to Ann.”
Murder charge and court appearance
Joshua Kerry, 28, from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, appeared in court on Tuesday charged with her murder after the body of the Reform UK spokeswoman and former Tory minister was found in her home at Haytor on Dartmoor on July 9.
Prosecutors allege that on July 8, Ms Widdecombe had been eating lunch when Kerry allegedly pulled up outside the front of her bungalow in a red Vauxhall Corsa and entered through the front door. Kerry then allegedly used a hammer to hit Ms Widdecombe on the top of her head 21 times, the Old Bailey heard on Tuesday.
Cause of death and investigation
A provisional cause of death was given as a blunt force injury to the head, the court heard. Detectives are still investigating any possible political or terrorist motivation.
Political career and public life
Ms Widdecombe was first elected as a Conservative MP in Kent in 1987, was a prisons minister in the 1990s and later became an MEP for the Brexit Party. At the time of her death she was a spokeswoman on immigration and justice for Reform UK. She also found fame outside politics on Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother.
