The Case of Ann Widdecombe

Former British government minister Ann Widdecombe, 78, was killed at her home near Haytor on Dartmoor on 8 July 2026. She was discovered the following morning after failing to appear for a scheduled television interview. Joshua Kerry, 28, has since been charged with her murder, while counter-terrorism police continue investigating the motive behind the attack.

Ann Widdecombe was one of Britain's best-known former politicians. She served as a Conservative MP between 1987 and 2010, held several ministerial positions and later represented the Brexit Party in the European Parliament before becoming associated with Reform UK. Outside politics, she became a familiar television personality through programmes including Strictly Come Dancing. On 8 July 2026, Widdecombe was at her home near Haytor on Dartmoor, Devon. According to allegations subsequently presented in court, a man arrived at the property around lunchtime and gained entry to the house. Widdecombe was due to participate in a television interview later that day but failed to appear. Concerns were subsequently raised for her welfare. At approximately 11:40 a.m. on 9 July, Widdecombe was found dead inside her home with serious visible injuries. Police quickly determined that the circumstances were suspicious and launched a murder investigation.

Widdecombe's rural Devon home became the primary crime scene. Prosecutors subsequently alleged that the attack had been captured by security footage. The prosecution case presented during preliminary court proceedings alleges that the attacker entered the property carrying a concealed hammer and spoke to Widdecombe before attacking her. The court was told that Widdecombe suffered extensive head injuries during the assault. Prosecutors allege she was struck 21 times with the hammer and that her wallet was taken before the attacker left the property. A post-mortem examination was conducted, although the inquest was initially told that the precise medical cause of death had not yet been formally established.

Devon and Cornwall Police initially led the murder investigation. A 26-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder on 10 July but was subsequently released and formally eliminated from the investigation. On 11 July, police arrested 28-year-old Joshua Kerry, of Rotherham, South Yorkshire, on suspicion of Widdecombe's murder. Investigators said they were not seeking anyone else in connection with the killing. The investigation took another significant turn when Counter Terrorism Policing assumed responsibility after detectives uncovered new information and evidence. Authorities stressed that the transfer did not itself establish a terrorist or political motive and cautioned against speculation while inquiries continued. Investigators pursued hundreds of lines of inquiry while examining Kerry's alleged movements, digital evidence and the circumstances surrounding his alleged journey from South Yorkshire to Devon. On 20 July 2026, the Crown Prosecution Service authorised a murder charge against Kerry following what Counter Terrorism Policing described as 12 days of intensive investigation.

Joshua Kerry, 28, has been charged with the murder of Ann Widdecombe. He appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court following the charge and was remanded in custody. Because criminal proceedings are ongoing, Kerry remains accused rather than convicted, and the case should remain classified as Investigation until the judicial process is completed.