A photograph of Ann Widdecombe has been installed in Parliament to honour the former MP, who was discovered dead with severe head injuries in her Devon residence last month. The image, captured by photographer Nick Ray in 2010, was positioned on Tuesday within Portcullis House—the building housing numerous MPs' offices—ahead of lawmakers' return from their summer break the following week.
The portrait marks an interim step in developing a comprehensive memorial for Widdecombe, the ex-Conservative minister and later Reform UK spokeswoman who died at age 78. Joshua Kerry, 28, has been charged with her murder. According to counter-terrorism police, the killing was a targeted attack, and prosecutors have indicated the investigation involved more than 800 lines of inquiry.
Helen Grant, who succeeded Widdecombe as MP for Maidstone in Kent, welcomed the portrait's installation.
I am delighted that the Speaker of the House of Commons has confirmed that this portrait of Ann Widdecombe will be on show in Parliament, following her tragic death earlier this year,Grant stated. She added that efforts are underway
to explore a more permanent commemoration on the Parliamentary estate.
The photograph was originally taken in 2010 within the Cloister Corridor of the Palace of Westminster. The portrait is anticipated to remain on display for the coming weeks while MPs and parliamentary officials deliberate over establishing a permanent memorial.
How does this compare to other parliamentary memorials?
Grant had campaigned before the summer recess for a commemorative plaque to be installed in Parliament for Widdecombe, similar to those created for former MPs Jo Cox and Sir David Amess following their deaths while serving in office. A shield honouring Sir David was unveiled in 2023 positioned near his former seat in the chamber. Parliament has been reconsidering how to properly memorialise MPs killed in office, establishing a framework for such tributes.
What was the scale of Widdecombe's parliamentary career?
Widdecombe represented Maidstone and The Weald as an MP for over two decades until 2010, establishing herself as a prominent figure in British politics during her tenure. Following her departure from Parliament, she became a spokesperson for Reform UK, maintaining a public profile in political discourse.
What happened at her funeral?
Widdecombe's funeral service was conducted earlier this month at Buckfast Abbey in Devon, a location she had described as her
safe haven. Approximately 100 attendees—comprising family members, friends, and former colleagues—gathered to pay their respects. Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, did not attend the service to prevent himself becoming a distraction, though he is reportedly planning to visit a public memorial scheduled for later in 2026.
What are the details of the investigation?
Police believe Widdecombe was attacked nearly 24 hours before she was discovered dead. The suspect was initially arrested in South Yorkshire, a considerable distance from Widdecombe's Devon home, which contributed to the case's prominence in public attention. Initially, police stated there was no evidence suggesting the death was terrorism-related or politically motivated; however, counter-terrorism police subsequently assumed control of the investigation. Additionally, counter-terror police reopened an old probe into an attempted burglary linked to the case, and the Independent Office for Police Conduct is investigating a police staff member's conduct.
What happens next?
Widdecombe's family is expected to release additional information regarding the public memorial in the coming weeks. Joshua Kerry is scheduled to stand trial for murder in June 2027. The portrait currently displayed in Portcullis House will remain in position while permanent memorial arrangements are finalised by parliamentary authorities and MPs.
Key Facts
- A 2010 photograph of Ann Widdecombe was installed in Portcullis House on Tuesday, serving as an interim tribute ahead of Parliament's return from summer recess
- Helen Grant, Widdecombe's successor as MP for Maidstone, campaigned for a permanent memorial comparable to those honouring Jo Cox and Sir David Amess
- Joshua Kerry, 28, has been charged with Widdecombe's murder and is due to stand trial in June 2027
- Widdecombe's funeral was held at Buckfast Abbey in Devon, attended by approximately 100 family members, friends, and former colleagues
- A public memorial is planned for later in 2026, with details to be announced by the family
