Man to appear in court charged with murder of Ann Widdecombe

Ann Widdecombe speaking during a Reform UK general election campaign launch in Westminster, London (Lucy North/PA)

A 28-year-old man is set to appear in court charged with the murder of former British MP Ann Widdecombe.

Joshua Kerry, from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday morning charged with the murder of the Reform UK spokeswoman.

Kerry, who has been remanded into custody, was first arrested on suspicion of murder on July 11, two days after the 78-year-old was found dead at her home in Devon.

Police activity outside a house in Rotherham (Dave Higgens/PA)

Two days after he was arrested for murder, Kerry was additionally arrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism, but he has not been charged with this offence.

Frank Ferguson, Chief Crown Prosecutor of 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 inquiries into the defendant’s motives are ongoing, including a potential political or terrorist connection.

“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.”

Miss Widdecombe was first elected as a Conservative MP in Kent in 1987, and went on to become an MEP for the Brexit Party and then a spokeswoman for Reform UK.

She also found fame outside politics after starring in Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother.

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham called for a serious review of MPs’ safety after Miss Widdecombe’s death and the head of UK Counter Terrorism Policing Laurence Taylor said officers are working with parliamentary officials to make politicians aware of protection measures that are in place.

Head of Counter Terrorism Policing, Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor (Erik Olsson/PA)

Speaking outside New Scotland Yard on Monday, Mr Taylor said: “I know many have been understandably concerned about their own safety after this horrendous attack, particularly after hearing about the nature of the attack she (Miss Widdecombe) endured in her own home.

“We are working closely with the Speaker of the House and the relevant authorities to ensure elected officials are aware of what we have in place to protect them.”