Former Conservative minister and prominent Reform UK spokeswoman Ann Widdecombe was murdered in a shocking and violent attack at her remote bungalow in Haytor on Dartmoor, Devon, on July 8, 2026. Prosecutors allege that 28-year-old Joshua Kerry from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, drove approximately 265 miles to carry out a “planned and targeted” assault, striking her on the head with a hammer 21 times before fleeing the scene. The incident unfolded shortly after midday while Widdecombe was eating lunch in her kitchen.
According to court testimony, Kerry arrived in a red Vauxhall Corsa, entered through the front door, and was captured on doorbell and hallway cameras. He allegedly asked for bank cards and identification, then bludgeoned the 78-year-old politician with extreme ferocity. He tipped her from her chair, took her wallet from her handbag, and left the property after just two minutes. Widdecombe was discovered the following day, July 9, lying face down on her kitchen floor with severe head injuries.
A gardener checked on her after she missed a scheduled live television interview on Channel 5’s Matt Allwright show. A provisional post-mortem gave the cause of death as blunt force trauma to the head. Kerry was arrested on July 11 at his home. Police recovered a hammer and black gloves containing Widdecombe’s DNA from bins outside the property.
He was charged with murder and appeared emotionless in court wearing a grey tracksuit, confirming only his personal details. He has also faced arrest on suspicion of terrorism-related offences (though not charged with them), prompting counter-terrorism police involvement. Detectives continue to investigate any potential political motivation. Widdecombe, a well-known public figure, served as a Conservative MP for Maidstone and The Weald from 1987 and held roles including prisons minister in the 1990s.
She later became an MEP for the Brexit Party and, at the time of her death, acted as a spokeswoman on immigration and justice for Reform UK. She gained broader fame through television appearances on Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother. The case has sent shockwaves through British politics and the public. Reform UK figures, including leader Nigel Farage, have commented on the tragedy amid ongoing speculation about motives.
Kerry’s next court appearance is scheduled for the Old Bailey, with a provisional trial date in June 2027 if the case proceeds that far. This brutal killing has raised concerns about the safety of public figures and the vulnerabilities of those living in isolated areas. As investigations continue, the nation mourns the loss of a forthright and colourful personality who shaped debates on justice, immigration, and Brexit for decades. Friends, colleagues, and supporters remember her as a resilient advocate unafraid to speak her mind.
