# Widdecombe murder: suspect charged, Farage links home attack > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/ann-widdecombe-murder-investigation > Updated: 2026-08-26T15:33:49.000Z. Sources: 462. Developments: 19. Former minister Ann Widdecombe’s body was discovered at her Dartmoor cottage on 9 July 2026, after being struck with a hammer. Surveillance footage identified 28-year-old Joshua Kerry, who was arrested in Rotherham on 11 July. He was re-arrested on suspicion of commissioning terrorist acts and formally charged with murder on 20 July. Kerry appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court; a trial is provisionally set for June 2027, with case-management hearings scheduled for 9 October and 20 November 2026. Counter-terrorism Policing took over the investigation in mid-July, describing the killing as a “targeted attack”. In early August, the unit reopened a previously closed attempted burglary inquiry from April 2025 in Greater London, citing a line of inquiry that was not identified or pursued during the original investigation by the Metropolitan Police and Counter Terrorism Policing London. Consequently, Counter Terrorism Policing London made a mandatory conduct referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which is investigating allegations that a staff member failed to properly pursue the relevant lead. Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, has claimed that the April 2025 incident—involving a “lit incendiary device” pushed through his letterbox—is “directly linked” to the Widdecombe murder. Farage criticized previous police handling, stating that Reform UK figures had been “treated very differently to everybody else” until the tragedy prompted renewed security focus. A private requiem mass was held on 12 August at Buckfast Abbey in Devon to honor the 78-year-old. Approximately 100 mourners, including politicians and broadcasters, attended the service. Following her death, a portrait of Widdecombe was installed in Portcullis House as an initial tribute. ## Claims - Ann Widdecombe, 78, was found dead at her home in Devon on 9 July after being attacked with a hammer. (corroborated by 20 sources) - No arrests were made in the original April 2025 burglary investigation. (corroborated by 20 sources) - Counter-terrorism police reopened an investigation into an attempted burglary reported in April 2025 in Greater London. (corroborated by 19 sources) - The burglary investigation is part of the murder probe of former minister Ann Widdecombe. (corroborated by 19 sources) - Joshua Kerry, 28, was charged with Ann Widdecombe’s murder on 20 July. (corroborated by 19 sources) - Counter Terrorism Policing London identified a line of inquiry which was not identified and pursued at the time. (corroborated by 17 sources) - Police have not disclosed how the burglary case may be connected to the murder. (corroborated by 14 sources) - Vicki Evans, senior national coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing, said the newly identified line of inquiry may be relevant to the Widdecombe murder case. (corroborated by 4 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-26: Ann Widdecombe portrait installed in Parliament A portrait of former MP Ann Widdecombe has been displayed in Parliament as part of ongoing efforts to establish a permanent memorial following her death. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ann-widdecombe-portrait-installed-in-parliament ### 2026-08-12: Ann Widdecombe funeral held at Buckfast Abbey following murder Former MP Ann Widdecombe was honored at a private funeral at Buckfast Abbey following her murder in Devon. Politicians and friends gathered to pay respects to the former Conservative and Reform UK spokeswoman. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ann-widdecombe-funeral-held-at-buckfast-abbey-following-murder ### 2026-08-10: Ann Widdecombe funeral details announced at Buckfast Abbey A private requiem mass for former politician Ann Widdecombe will be held Wednesday at Buckfast Abbey in Devon following her murder in July. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ann-widdecombe-funeral-details-announced-at-buckfast-abbey ### 2026-08-10: Nigel Farage links home attack to Ann Widdecombe murder Nigel Farage claims an incident involving an incendiary device at his home is linked to the murder of Ann Widdecombe, as police reopen investigations and face a watchdog probe. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigel-farage-links-home-attack-to-ann-widdecombe-murder ### 2026-08-07: UK police reopen 2025 burglary probe as part of Ann Widdecombe murder inquiry UK counter-terrorism police have reopened a 2025 London burglary probe as part of the murder investigation into former minister Ann Widdecombe. The IOPC is also investigating police conduct regarding the case. 27 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ann-widdecombe-murder-probe-reopened-by-uk-counterterror-police ### 2026-07-26: Ann Widdecombe murder case proceeds in UK courts UK ex‑minister Ann Widdecombe was found dead after a hammer attack; 28‑year‑old Joshua K. is charged with murder, motive unclear, trial slated for June 2027. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ann-widdecombe-murder-case-proceeds-in-uk-courts ### 2026-07-25: Former MP Ann Widdecombe's family plans funeral at Buckfast Abbey Former MP Ann Widdecombe was found dead in Devon; a suspect has been charged with murder. Her family is arranging a private funeral at Buckfast Abbey, with a public memorial later. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/former-mp-ann-widdecombes-family-plans-funeral-at-buckfast-abbey ### 2026-07-22: Ann Widdecombe murder case and family announces public memorial Ann Widdecombe was killed by Joshua Kerry, who allegedly struck her 21 times with a hammer; the family plans a private funeral now and a public memorial later this year. 14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/former-mp-ann-widdecombe-killed-in-hammer-attack-suspect-charged ### 2026-07-20: Former UK Minister Ann Widdecombe Murdered, Suspect Charged Former MP Ann Widdecombe was killed by a hammer attack; 28‑year‑old Joshua Kerry has been charged with murder and terrorism offences, with motive still under investigation. 102 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/86yearold-woman-murdered-in-alcaudete-spain ### 2026-07-19: Ann Widdecombe's killing sparks scrutiny of MP safe‑room guidance Three months before former MP Ann Widdecombe was killed, MI5’s NPSA advised MPs to create home safe rooms, prompting scrutiny of parliamentary security measures. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ann-widdecombes-killing-sparks-scrutiny-of-mp-saferoom-guidance ### 2026-07-17: Suspect Joshua Kerry charged in murder of former minister Ann Widdecombe Joshua Kerry, 28, was arrested on suspicion of murder and terrorism after former minister Ann Widdecombe was killed in her Devon home on 8 July 2026. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/suspect-joshua-kerry-charged-in-killing-of-former-uk-minister-ann-widdecombe ### 2026-07-17: Investigation into former MP Ann Widdecombe's murder draws criticism of police handling Ann Widdecombe, former MP, was murdered at her Dartmoor home; police faced criticism for mishandling the investigation, and a counter‑terror unit now leads the case. A left‑wing group also removed a homophobia‑ 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/investigation-into-former-mp-ann-widdecombes-murder-draws-criticism-of-police-handling ### 2026-07-15: Reform UK warns neo‑fascist label could spur violence after Widdecombe murder Reform UK warns that labeling it neo‑fascist may incite violence, citing Ann Widdecombe’s murder and calling for better security for politicians. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ann-widdecombe-murder-sparks-reform-uk-security-warning ### 2026-07-15: Ann Widdecombe murder treated as targeted attack Ann Widdecombe, 78, was found dead in Devon; police label it a targeted attack. A 28‑year‑old suspect is held on murder and terrorism charges, and a university employee was charged for celebratory online posts. 29 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ann-widdecombe-murder-classified-as-targeted-attack ### 2026-07-13: University of Aberdeen probes staff over death‑related social media comments on Ann Widdecombe University of Aberdeen launched a priority probe after staffer Heather Herbert posted hostile comments on Ann Widdecombe's death; police reopened the case and arrested a suspect on murder and terrorism charges. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/university-of-aberdeen-probes-staff-over-deathrelated-social-media-comments-on-ann-widdecombe ### 2026-07-12: UK anti‑terror police take over murder probe of former minister En Videkomb UK anti‑terror police now lead the murder investigation of former minister En Videkomb after a 28‑year‑old suspect was arrested; new evidence suggests a possible terrorist motive. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uk-antiterror-police-take-over-murder-probe-of-former-minister-en-videkomb ### 2026-07-12: UK counter‑terrorism police take over investigation into murder of former minister Ann Widdecombe Counter‑terrorism police now lead the murder probe of former minister Ann Widdecombe after a 28‑year‑old suspect was re‑arrested on terrorism charges. 118 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ann-widdecombe-murder-investigated-as-terrorism-in-the-uk ### 2026-07-10: Adam Boulton apologises for calling late Ann Widdecombe a “spinster” Adam Boulton called the late Ann Widdecombe a “spinster” on TV, faced backlash and later apologized; her death is under murder investigation. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/adam-boulton-apologises-for-calling-late-ann-widdecombe-a-spinster ### 2026-07-10: Ann Widdecombe murder investigation leads to arrest of 28‑year‑old suspect Ann Widdecombe was found dead in Devon; police arrested a 28‑year‑old suspect, say no terror or political motive, and grant 24‑hour security to Reform UK MPs. 300 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/former-uk-mp-and-tv-personality-ann-widdecombe-dies-at-78 --- Cite as: Widdecombe murder: suspect charged, Farage links home attack. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/ann-widdecombe-murder-investigation