A 28-year-old man has been charged with the murder of former MP and Reform party spokesperson Ann Widdecombe, whose body was found at her home in Devon. Police say a possible political motive is under investigation.
Key facts
- Joshua Kerry, 28, from Rotherham, has been charged with the murder of Ann Widdecombe.
- Widdecombe's body was found at her home in Devon.
- She was a former MP and a Reform party spokesperson.
- Kerry was due to appear at Westminster magistrates court on Tuesday.
- Police say a possible political motive is under investigation, according to Al Jazeera.
A 28-year-old man has been charged with the murder of the former MP and Reform party spokesperson Ann Widdecombe, according to the Guardian. The Crown Prosecution Service said Joshua Kerry, from Rotherham, had been charged over the killing.
The Guardian reported that Widdecombe’s body was found at her home in Devon. Kerry was due to appear at Westminster magistrates court on Tuesday.
Al Jazeera reported that police say a possible political motive is under investigation in the killing of the Reform UK figure.
The charge follows the death of Widdecombe, who was a well-known figure in British politics, having served as an MP before taking up her role as a Reform party spokesperson.
Details beyond the charge, the location of the death and the investigation into a possible motive have not been made public in the available reporting. The case is now proceeding through the courts, beginning with the scheduled magistrates court appearance.
Why it matters
The killing of a former MP and prominent political figure, coupled with police investigating a possible political motive, raises concerns about the safety of public and political figures. The case will draw significant public and legal attention as it moves through the courts.
Frequently asked questions
Who has been charged with Ann Widdecombe's murder?
Joshua Kerry, a 28-year-old man from Rotherham, has been charged with the murder, according to the Crown Prosecution Service as reported by the Guardian.
Where was Ann Widdecombe found?
The Guardian reported that her body was found at her home in Devon.
Is a motive known?
Al Jazeera reported that police say a possible political motive is under investigation. No further details on motive have been confirmed in the available reporting.