Former MP Ann Widdecombe's Brutal Attack Shocks UK Police

And on July 8, while eating lunch at home in a southwest England village, Widdecombe was struck 21 times on the head with a hammer.

Joshua Kerry, 28, has been charged with her murder. According to prosecutors, Kerry drove to Widdecombe's house around midday, walked through the front door, and beat her with a hammer. He then took her wallet and left two minutes later.

Blunt force injury to the head was listed as the provisional cause of death.

Widdecombe, 78, was a prominent figure in the UK, known for her blunt-spoken, socially conservative views on abortion and LGBTQ+ rights. She served as a member of Parliament from 1987 to 2010, serving as a prisons minister in Prime Minister John Major's 1990s Conservative government.

Widdecombe's killing has sparked concerns over security for politicians in the UK, following the murders of two other prominent MPs, Labour lawmaker Jo Cox in 2016 and Conservative David Amess in 2021.

### Who Is Joshua Kerry?

Kerry was arrested on July 11 in South Yorkshire, a northern England county, more than 400 kilometers from Widdecombe's home in the village of Haytor, on the edge of Dartmoor National Park.

Kerry was charged on Monday while in custody, after being arrested on suspicion of murder and acts of terror. Police are investigating his motive, including a potential political or terrorist connection, prosecutors said.

### The Former MP's Background

Widdecombe was a reality TV star on shows like Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother, and later joined the Brexit Party, serving as a member of the European Parliament before Britain left the European Union in 2020.

She recently joined the anti-immigration Reform UK, frequently appearing in the media as the party's immigration and justice spokesperson.

### The Trial Ahead

Kerry was ordered to be held in custody and will appear in the Central Criminal Court on October 9.

The killing of Widdecombe, a long-time outspoken figure in the UK, has sent shockwaves through the nation and raised concerns about the security of politicians in the country.

### ## Key Facts

  • Joshua Kerry, 28, has been charged with the murder of Ann Widdecombe.
  • Widdecombe was struck 21 times on the head with a hammer while eating lunch at home.
  • Kerry drove to Widdecombe's house in a southwest England village and was arrested in South Yorkshire more than 400 kilometers away.
  • Widdecombe was a member of Parliament from 1987 to 2010 and a reality TV star on shows like Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother.