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Major Ann Widdecombe death update at inquest into ex-MP's 'murder'

An inquest has opened into the death of former MP Ann Widdecombe as her cause of death is yet to be established as senior coroner Philip Spinney formally suspended the hearing

[Ann Widdecombe]

Ann Widdecombe's cause of death has not yet been established, the inquest heard(Image: AFP via Getty Images)

Ann Widdecombes cause of death is yet to be established, the opening of an inquest into her death has heard.

The former MP and MEP was found dead at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor, Devon, on July 9, having suffered visible injuries, a brief hearing at Exeter Coroners Court heard on Tuesday (July 21).

Philip Spinney, senior coroner for the county of Devon, Plymouth and Torbay, said Miss Widdecombe was found unresponsive in her home by an employee carrying out a welfare check after concerns were raised due to her being uncontactable.

Emergency services were called to her address in Haytor Vale but she was pronounced dead at 12.20pm on July 9.

[Joshua Kerry ]

Joshua Kerry has been charged with the murder of Widdecombe(Image: Collect)

During a brief hearing at Exeter Coroners Court, senior coroner Spinney said: Ann Noreen Widdecombe died at Widdecombes Rest, Haytor Vale, Haytor, Newton Abbott, Devon, on 9th July 2026 at 12.20

The circumstances of death are as follows. Concerns were raised that Miss Widdecombe was uncontactable so an employee who was due at her home address was asked to carry out a welfare check.

Miss Widdecombe was located within her property. She was found to be unresponsive with visible injuries. The emergency services were called and she was sadly declared deceased at the scene.

The inquest is now adjourned and in light of the information a 28-year-old gentleman is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates Court today charged with Miss Widdecombes murder.

Mr Spinney added: A post-mortem examination has taken place and at this stage the precise medical cause of death has yet to be established.

Shortly after the conclusion of this hearing I shall be taking steps to formally suspend this inquest Until the conclusion of the criminal proceedings.

[A prison van arrives at Westminster Magistrates' Court ]

Kerry, 28, from Rotherham in South Yorkshire, will appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court today(Image: Getty Images)

The coroner added he wished to offer his deep condolences to the family of Miss Widdecombe.

Suspect Joshua Kerry, 28, has arrived at Westminster Magistrates Court this morning (July 21) where he is due to appear charged with the murder of Widdecombe. Earlier a prison van was pictured arriving at the central London court.

Kerry, who has been remanded into custody, was first arrested on suspicion of murder on July 11, two days after the 78-year-old was found dead at her home in Devon.

Two days after he was arrested for murder, Kerry was additionally arrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism, but he has not been charged with this offence.

Frank Ferguson, Chief Crown Prosecutor of the CPS Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division, said: We have decided to prosecute Joshua Kerry for murder following a police investigation into the death of Ann Widdecombe in Haytor, Dartmoor.

Police inquiries into the defendants motives are ongoing, including a potential political or terrorist connection.

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.

Ms Widdecombe was first elected as a Conservative MP in Kent in 1987, and went on to become an MEP for the Brexit Party and then a spokeswoman for Reform UK.

She also found fame outside politics after starring in Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother.

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