British prosecutors have formally charged 28-year-old Joshua Kerry with the murder of former Conservative minister and Reform UK spokesperson Ann Widdecombe. The development follows a major shift in the investigation, which is now being led by the Crown Prosecution Service’s special crime and counter-terrorism division.
Widdecombe, 78, was discovered dead at her home in the Devon village of Haytor on July 9, 2026. Police believe she was attacked at approximately 12:30 p.m. the previous day. Her body was located by a caregiver after she failed to attend a scheduled television appearance.
The investigation intensified significantly following the discovery of newspaper clippings concerning Nigel Farage and Reform UK within the suspect’s home in Rotherham. Reports indicate that these materials focused on the party’s hard-line immigration platform, leading investigators to examine whether the killing was a targeted political attack. Kerry was arrested in South Yorkshire on July 11, roughly 430 kilometers from the crime scene.
While initial assessments by local police suggested a potential burglary, the discovery of specific political materials prompted a transition to counter-terrorism involvement. Frank Ferguson, chief crown prosecutor for the special crime and counter-terrorism division, confirmed that prosecutors are actively investigating potential political or terrorist connections. Kerry is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.