Man charged with murder of former Tory minister Ann Widdecombe

A 28-year-old man has been charged with the murder of Ann Widdecombe, with police continuing to investigate a potential political or terrorist connection to the killing.

Joshua Kerry, from Rotherham, was charged after the former Conservative minister was found dead at her home in Haytor, Devon, on Thursday 9 July with serious injuries. Officers believe she was attacked around 12.30pm the previous day, nearly 24 hours before her body was discovered.

Kerry was arrested in Rotherham on 11 July on suspicion of murder, then rearrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism. Frank Ferguson, chief crown prosecutor of the CPS Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division, confirmed inquiries into the defendant's motives remain ongoing and warned against any reporting or commentary that could prejudice the active proceedings.

A 26-year-old man initially arrested over the murder was released and is no longer part of the investigation.

Widdecombe, 78, served as a Tory MP from 1987 to 2010, championed Vote Leave ahead of the 2016 referendum, and joined Reform UK in 2023 as its immigration and justice spokesperson.