Suspect Joshua Kerry charged in murder of former minister Ann Widdecombe

A 28‑year‑old man from Rotherham, Joshua Kerry, has been arrested on suspicion of murder and terrorism‑related offences after 78‑year‑old former Conservative MP and Reform UK spokesperson Ann Widdecombe was killed in her Devon bungalow on 8 July 2026. Police initially treated the death as a burglary, but counter‑terrorism detectives took over the investigation after evidence suggested a targeted attack. Kerry is being held in custody and may be detained for questioning until at least Tuesday, with the possibility of an extension.

Kerry, described by neighbours as quiet and shy, lived alone in a council house after his father's death. He previously worked in a lift company and was photographed in 2022 holding a jar of Easter eggs for a charity fundraiser. Widdecombe, a former MP, MEP and television personality, sent a final text "Received! Panic over!!" shortly before the attack and was found dead in the kitchen the following day.

Senior politicians, including the Prime Minister, Home Secretary and the Speaker of the House of Commons, paid tribute to Widdecombe, calling her a fixture of public life. A separate arrest was made in Norway of an individual for hateful online comments related to the case, but the core investigation remains focused on Kerry.