Former Member of Parliament Ann Widdecombe was discovered dead in her kitchen in Haytor, Devon, after an unresponsive state and visible injuries prompted a welfare check by staff at her home.
According to court testimony, a man named Joshua Kerry entered Widdecombe’s house, allegedly striking her 21 times with a hammer in the kitchen before pushing her from her chair, removing a wallet from her handbag, and leaving the residence within two minutes.
Kerry was arrested for murder on July 11, the day following Widdecombe’s death, and was subsequently remanded into custody pending a hearing at Westminster Magistrates Court.
During the brief hearing, the suspect, wearing a grey tracksuit, only confirmed his identity details and was scheduled for a further appearance at the Old Bailey on Tuesday.
In a separate inquiry, the coroner confirmed the circumstances of the discovery, noting that Widdecombe was found unresponsive with visible injuries and was declared deceased on the scene by emergency services.
Prosecutors indicated that investigations into Kerry’s motives are ongoing, including potential political or terrorist connections, and that sufficient evidence exists to proceed with a murder charge.
In addition to the murder charge, Kerry was arrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation, or instigation of acts of terrorism, though no formal charges have yet been filed on that count.
Widdecombe’s career spanned roles as a Conservative MP, an MEP for the Brexit Party, and a spokesperson for Reform UK, with a public profile that extended beyond politics through appearances on television programs.
Following the incident, parliamentary officials announced a review of MP safety measures, with assurances that elected officials would be informed of existing protections.
