Joshua Kerry, a 28-year-old man described as “quiet and shy”, has been arrested on suspicion of murdering the former Conservative minister Ann Widdecombe in a suspected terrorist attack at her home in Devon.
Widdecombe, 78, a former Tory minister and Reform UK spokesperson, was found dead at her house in the village of Haytor on Dartmoor on Thursday 9 July. Police believe she was attacked around 12.30pm the previous day, Wednesday 8 July.
“Joshua Kerry, 28, arrested on suspicion of murdering Ann Widdecombe in suspected terrorist attack at her Devon home.”
Kerry, from Rotherham, was arrested on suspicion of murder and on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism. The investigation is being led by Counter Terrorism Policing South East.
The arrest has prompted counter-terror police to review the security arrangements of other former MPs, as the force investigates whether Widdecombe was deliberately targeted because of her political career.
Neighbours described a heavy police presence in the quiet rural village after Widdecombe’s body was discovered. A cordon remained in place around her property as forensic teams combed the scene.
Widdecombe served as a Conservative MP from 1987 to 2010 and held ministerial roles including minister of state for prisons. She later became a prominent figure in the Brexit campaign and joined the Reform Party, serving as a spokesperson. She was also a regular television personality, known for her appearances on shows such as Strictly Come Dancing.
The killing has sent shockwaves through political circles, with colleagues expressing disbelief that a former cabinet minister could be targeted in her own home. One friend said: “She was fiercely independent and loved her life in Devon. It’s unthinkable this could happen.”
Kerry is expected to appear at a magistrates’ court later this week. The police have not disclosed a motive, but the terrorism aspect of the investigation suggests a political or ideological dimension is being considered.
For now, the village of Haytor remains in mourning, and the security of every former MP is being scrutinised – a chilling reminder that public life can carry a deadly price.
