Joshua Kerry of Rotherham charged with Widdecombe murder
Joshua Kerry, a 28-year-old man from Rotherham in South Yorkshire, has been charged with the murder of Ann Widdecombe, police and prosecutors have confirmed. The former Conservative minister and Reform UK spokeswoman was found dead at her Devon home. Kerry is set to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Tuesday.
Key Takeaways
- Joshua Kerry, 28, of Rotherham, has been charged with Ann Widdecombe's murder.
- Widdecombe, 78, was found dead on 9 July 2026 at her home in Haytor, Devon, with serious injuries.
- Kerry was arrested on suspicion of murder on 11 July and later on suspicion of terrorism-related offences on 13 July.
- Counter Terrorism Policing says possible political motivation remains an active line of inquiry, and officers are not seeking anyone else.
- He is due at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Tuesday; the CPS has urged reporting that does not prejudice the case.
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Who is Joshua Kerry and what charges does he face?
According to BBC News, Joshua Kerry from Rotherham has been charged with the murder of Ann Widdecombe after police and prosecutors said there was sufficient evidence to bring the case to court.
Kerry was first arrested on suspicion of murder on 11 July. On 13 July he was additionally arrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.
Frank Ferguson, chief crown prosecutor for the CPS Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division, said prosecutors had worked closely with police as the investigation progresses. He stressed that proceedings are active and Kerry has the right to a fair trial.
What happened to Ann Widdecombe?
Widdecombe, 78, a former Conservative minister and Reform UK spokeswoman, was found dead on Thursday 9 July at her home in Haytor, Devon. Police said she had sustained serious injuries.
The investigation has been led by Counter Terrorism Policing South East, supported by Devon and Cornwall Police. Laurence Taylor, head of UK counter terrorism policing, said outside New Scotland Yard that understanding the "why" remains central to the inquiry.
Why are counter-terrorism police still investigating?
Counter Terrorism Policing said determining Kerry's motivation, including any possible political motivation, remains an active avenue of investigation. Taylor described the work as particularly intensive and complex.
He said investigators have gathered a huge amount of information over the past week, generating more than 800 lines of enquiry. Taylor also said police are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident, while the probe into Kerry's motives and any wider activity continues.
When will Joshua Kerry appear in court?
Kerry is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Tuesday. The CPS reminded the public that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information that could prejudice the proceedings.
Police say the investigation remains ongoing as Kerry faces the murder charge in court.