Man charged with murder of former MP Ann Widdecombe

Joshua Kerry, 28, from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (July 21), the Crown Prosecution Service said.

Kerry was first arrested on suspicion of murder on July 11, two days after the 78-year-old Reform UK spokeswoman was found dead at her home in Devon.

On July 13, he was additionally arrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.

Man charged with death of Ann Widdecombe

It comes after detectives were told they had until this evening (July 20) to question the 28-year-old.

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.

“Our prosecutors have worked closely with the police to establish that there is sufficient evidence to bring this case to court, and we will continue working with them as their investigation progresses.

“We remind all concerned that proceedings against the defendant are active and he has the right to a fair trial.

“It is vital that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”

Ms Widdecombe was first elected as a Conservative MP for Kent in 1987, later becoming an MEP for the Brexit Party and a spokeswoman for Reform UK.

She was also known for her appearances on Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother.

Following her death, tributes poured in from across the political spectrum.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood described her as “one of those rare politicians who was bigger than politics.”