The funeral of Ann Widdecombe, the former Conservative minister and Reform UK spokeswoman, will take place at Buckfast Abbey in Devon, where she was a regular worshipper. A requiem mass will be held on Wednesday, August 12, at the abbey, with a homily from the Rt Rev David Charlesworth, Abbot of Buckfast.
Death and Murder Charge
Ms Widdecombe died on July 8 at the age of 78, after being hit over the head with a hammer 21 times at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor, Devon. Joshua Kerry, 28, was charged with her murder on July 20.
The abbey said she would be "missed and fondly remembered" and that "many in our worshipping community knew her as a kind and warm character".
Statement from the Abbey
The statement added: "Ann was a woman of profound faith, a faith which found expression in the public forum of politics. Ann was unafraid to express her unwavering convictions, formed through her Roman Catholic faith. She had a sharp intellect and was a dedicated public servant."
Family's Request for Privacy
Ms Widdecombe's family said last month: "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."
They added: "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."
Political Career and Public Life
Ms Widdecombe was first elected as a Conservative MP in Kent in 1987, served as 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 appeared on Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother.
