Joshua Kerry, 28, has been charged with the murder of former Conservative minister Ann Widdecombe, as well as terrorism-related offences, with Counter Terrorism Policing now leading the investigation into her death in Devon.
A man has been charged with the murder of Ann Widdecombe, the Crown Prosecution Service has confirmed. Joshua Kerry, 28, from Rotherham, has also been charged with the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism in connection with the case. Ms Widdecombe, 78, was found dead at her home in Haytor, Devon, at around 11.40am on Thursday 9 July, having suffered serious injuries. Police believe she was attacked the previous day, at around 12.30pm on Wednesday 8 July, meaning she may have lain undiscovered for almost 24 hours.
Charges and next steps
Mr Kerry is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, where both the murder and terrorism-related charges will be considered ahead of any transfer to the Crown Court. The Crown Prosecution Service said it authorised the charges following a review of the evidence submitted by investigators.
Investigation and arrest
Mr Kerry was initially arrested in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, on 11 July on suspicion of murder, and has remained in custody since then. He was later rearrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.
Counter Terrorism Policing is now leading the investigation, after detectives said new evidence uncovered during the inquiry justified transferring the case from Devon and Cornwall Police. Investigators believe the suspect travelled from South Yorkshire to Devon before the alleged attack, and are continuing to piece together his movements using CCTV footage, digital evidence and forensic examinations.
Police have continued to describe Ms Widdecombe’s killing as a “targeted attack” and are investigating whether there was any ideological or political motive behind it. Detectives are also examining whether the suspect acted alone and whether there is any wider threat to other public figures, although they have previously said they are not seeking anyone else in connection with the case. Police have urged the public not to speculate about a possible motive while criminal proceedings remain ongoing.
Separately, a 26-year-old man who had initially been arrested on suspicion of murder was released from custody on Saturday, with police confirming he is no longer part of the investigation.
Ann Widdecombe’s political career
Ann Widdecombe served as a Conservative MP from 1987 to 2010. She later returned to frontline politics as a prominent voice in the Vote Leave campaign ahead of the 2016 EU referendum, before joining the Brexit Party in 2019, when she served as a member of the European Parliament. She joined Reform UK in 2023, becoming the party’s immigration and justice spokesperson. Her death was announced by her management on Friday 10 July, the day after she was found.
