Joshua Kerry, a 28-year-old from Rotherham, has been charged with the murder of former Conservative minister and Reform UK spokeswoman Ann Widdecombe. He will appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Tuesday.
Widdecombe, 78, was found dead at her home in Haytor, Devon, on 9 July after sustaining serious injuries. Police believe she was killed the day before in a targeted attack. Kerry was first arrested on suspicion of murder on 11 July, then re-arrested two days later on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.
“Joshua Kerry, 28, charged with murder of former MP Ann Widdecombe; police probe political motive with over 800 lines of inquiry.”
Counter Terrorism Policing has taken over the investigation. Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor said that “determining the motivation, including any possible political motivation, remains an active avenue of investigation”. The investigation has generated over 800 lines of inquiry. Taylor added that it “remains the case that we are not looking for anyone else in connection with this incident”.
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 enquiries into the defendant’s motives are ongoing, including a potential political or terrorist connection.”
He reminded the public that proceedings are active and that reporting or commentary which could prejudice the trial is prohibited.
Widdecombe, who served as Conservative MP for Maidstone for 23 years and later as a Brexit Party MEP and Reform UK spokesperson, was also known for television appearances on Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother. The question of what drove her alleged killer remains unanswered as police continue to examine evidence.