Suspect charged in fatal attack on UK politician Ann Widdecombe
Joshua Kerry has been charged with the murder of former UK government minister Ann Widdecombe, with police investigating a potential political motive. The case has intensified national concerns regarding the safety of political figures in the UK.
Why it matters
The murder of a high-profile political figure and the potential for a political motive represent a significant threat to democratic stability and public discourse.
Police say a possible political motive is under investigation in the killing of the ex-minister.
x whatsapp-stroke copylink google Add Al Jazeera on Google info Reform UK's Ann Widdecombe delivers a speech [File: Oli Scarff/AFP] By Al Jazeera Staff , AP and Reuters Published On 20 Jul 2026 20 Jul 2026 Prosecutors in the United Kingdom have charged a 28-year-old man with the murder of Ann Widdecombe, a former government minister and member of the far-right Reform UK party.
Joshua Kerry was charged on Monday and is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates Court in London on Tuesday, the Crown Prosecution Service said.
Widdecombe, 78, was found dead at her home near Dartmoor National Park in southwest England on July 9, a day after she missed a television interview. Police said she had been deliberately targeted but did not disclose how she died, citing only “serious injuries”.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in