Joshua Kerry has been charged with the murder of former British politician Ann Widdecombe following a targeted attack at her rural home.
Joshua Kerry, a 28-year-old man from South Yorkshire, has been charged with the murder of former Member of Parliament Ann Widdecombe. The 78-year-old politician was found dead at her home in Haytor on July 9 after sustaining serious head injuries from a blunt force attack. Prosecutors allege Kerry entered the bungalow while Widdecombe was eating lunch and struck her with a hammer 21 times. The investigation, which was taken over by counter-terrorism officers, is currently exploring whether the attack had a political or terrorist motivation. Widdecombe was a prominent socially conservative figure who served in the House of Commons from 1987 to 2010 and later became a well-known reality TV personality and Reform UK spokesperson. Kerry appeared at Westminster magistrates court where he was denied bail and remanded in custody. A provisional trial date has been set for June 8, 2027. While a private service will be held for her family in the coming weeks, a public memorial is planned for later this year.