A 28-year-old man is due in court charged with the murder of Ann Widdecombe. Joshua Kerry, from Rotherham in South Yorkshire, is set to appear at Westminister Magistrates' Court.
Kerry was first arrested on suspicion of murder two days after former Conservative minister and Reform UK spokeswoman Widdecombe, 78, was found with serious injuries at her home in Haytor, Devon on Thursday 9 July.
He was later re-arrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.
What did counter terrorism police say?
Counter Terrorism Policing said its investigation into Kerry, including his motivations and any wider activity he may have been involved in, is continuing. In a statement read outside New Scotland Yard, Laurence Taylor, head of UK Counter Terrorism Policing, said the inquiry remained a “particularly intensive and complex investigation”.
“I want to make it very clear that our investigation into [Kerry], determining his motivations and any wider activity he may have been involved in is continuing.”
“As with all murder investigations, understanding the 'why' is a key part of our enquiries,”
“a particularly intensive and complex investigation”
Taylor said it remained the case that investigators were not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident. He added that counter terrorism teams had gathered “a huge amount of information” over the last week, leading to more than 800 lines of enquiry.
The investigation, which remains ongoing, has been led by Counter Terrorism Policing South East, supported by Devon and Cornwall Police.
What has the CPS said about the case?
Frank Ferguson, of the Crown Prosecution Service's (CPS) special crime and counter terrorism division, said prosecutors had worked closely with police to establish that there was sufficient evidence to bring the case to court, and that they would continue working with them as the investigation progresses.
“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 anyway prejudice these proceedings.”
Widdecombe's career in politics spanned decades. She served as Conservative MP for Maidstone in Kent for 23 years and was appointed to ministerial roles in Sir John Major's government in the 1990s.
Following her departure from the Commons, Widdecombe appeared on the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing in 2010 and was a runner-up on Celebrity Big Brother eight years later. She later represented South West England as a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) for the Brexit Party and in 2023 she joined Reform UK as a party spokeswoman.
Days after Widdecombe's death, mourners gathered in Haytor Vale to remember the 78-year-old.
Floral tributes to Widdecombe at a memorial set up in the grounds of a local hotel, near her home.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who was among those paying their respects, described her as a “remarkable individual” and “the fiercest defender of free speech”.
“remarkable individual”
“the fiercest defender of free speech”
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch described Widdecombe as a “very fun and feisty woman”, adding her “heart is breaking for [Widdecombe's] family”.
“very fun and feisty woman”
“heart is breaking for [Widdecombe's] family”
Andy Burnham, who has since been appointed prime minister, sent his condolences to her family, saying: “Ann gave a lifetime of public service.”
“Ann gave a lifetime of public service.”
Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats, said he was “shocked and distressed” by the news of Widdecombe's death, describing her as a “woman of deep faith who devoted her life to public service”.
“shocked and distressed”
“woman of deep faith who devoted her life to public service”
