The family of Ann Widdecombe has confirmed that a public memorial for the former Conservative minister and Reform UK spokeswoman will take place later this year. The 78-year-old was found dead at her home in Haytor, Dartmoor, Devon, on July 9 with serious head injuries.
Murder Charge and Court Appearance
Joshua Kerry, 28, from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, appeared in court on Tuesday charged with her murder. Prosecutors allege that on July 8, Widdecombe was eating lunch when Kerry pulled up outside her bungalow in a red Vauxhall Corsa, entered through the front door, and struck her on the head with a hammer 21 times. The Old Bailey heard a provisional cause of death was blunt force injury to the head. Detectives are investigating any possible political or terrorist motivation.
Family Statement on Memorial Plans
In a statement, Widdecombe’s family said: “We understand that there is significant public interest in the funeral of Ann Widdecombe. A private service for family and close friends will be held in the coming weeks, and invitations for this ceremony have been distributed. A more public memorial will follow later in the year, the details of which will be released in due course. While we are very grateful for the wide expression of condolences, the family would ask that this initial service is limited to those closest to Ann.”
Political Career and Public Life
Widdecombe was first elected as a Conservative MP in Kent in 1987 and served as prisons minister in the 1990s. She later became a Member of the European Parliament for the Brexit Party. At the time of her death, she was a spokeswoman on immigration and justice for Reform UK. Beyond politics, she gained fame on television shows including Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother.
