A man has been charged with murdering Ann Widdecombe, according to the Crown Prosecution Service.
The 78-year-old former Conservative minister, who later served as a Reform UK spokeswoman, was discovered dead at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor shortly before noon on Thursday 9 July. She had suffered severe injuries.
Joshua Kerry, a 28-year-old from Rotherham in South Yorkshire, faces the murder charge. He is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.
Kerry was initially detained on suspicion of murder on 11 July, two days after Widdecombe’s body was found. Two days later, on 13 July, he was further arrested on suspicion of involvement in the commission, preparation or instigation of terrorist acts.
Frank Ferguson, Chief Crown Prosecutor for the CPS Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division, confirmed the decision to prosecute Kerry for murder based on evidence gathered during the police investigation. Authorities continue to examine the suspect’s possible motives, including any links to political or terrorist activity.
Prosecutors have collaborated closely with police and believe there is enough evidence to proceed to court. They stressed that the case remains active, that Kerry is entitled to a fair trial, and that the public must avoid any reporting, discussion or sharing of details that could influence the proceedings.
Widdecombe first entered Parliament as a Conservative MP for a Kent constituency in 1987. She later served as a Member of the European Parliament for the Brexit Party before becoming a public face for Reform UK. She gained wider public recognition through television appearances on Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother.
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