28-year-old man charged with murder of former MP Ann Widdecombe
Joshua Kerry, 28, from Rotherham, has been charged with the murder of former MP and Reform party spokesperson Ann Widdecombe. Her body was found with serious injuries at her home in Devon, and police believe the attack occurred the previous day.
A 28-year-old man has been charged with the murder of former MP Ann Widdecombe, the Crown Prosecution Service announced. Joshua Kerry, from Rotherham, is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Tuesday.
Widdecombe, 78, who served as an MP and later as a spokesperson for the Reform party, was found with serious injuries at her home in Haytor, Devon, on 9 July at 11:40am. Devon and Cornwall Police later stated they believe she was attacked the previous day at 12:30pm.
Frank Ferguson, chief crown prosecutor for the CPS Special Crime and Counter-Terrorism Division, confirmed the charge, noting that investigations into the defendant's motives are ongoing, including a potential political or terrorist connection. He emphasized that proceedings are active and the defendant has the right to a fair trial.
The case was taken over by the Counter-Terrorism Policing South East on 13 July after new information and evidence emerged. Kerry, described by police as a white British national, was arrested in Rotherham and remains in custody.
Earlier, a 26-year-old man from Newton Abbot had been arrested by Devon and Cornwall Police but was later released and cleared of involvement.
