Murdered ex-UK minister Widdecombe was struck on head with hammer 21 times, court told

A former British government minister, Ann Widdecombe, was struck on the head 21 times with a hammer during an attack at her home in rural southwest England, prosecutors revealed in a London court on Tuesday. The incident occurred on July 8, 2026, and was captured on camera inside her residence. Widdecombe, 78, was found dead the following day after being attacked the previous day. She was a prominent figure in Nigel Farage’s populist Reform UK party and had previously served as a junior minister in the Conservative government under Prime Minister John Major from 1992 to 1997. The victim, who had recently transitioned from political life to appearing on reality television, including Strictly Come Dancing, was discovered by her personal assistant’s gardener on July 9. The gardener was called to check on her after she failed to show up for a scheduled live television interview from her home on July 8. When he arrived, he found her lying on the kitchen floor. Police confirmed that the attack took place the day before, and that the suspect had entered the house while Widdecombe was eating lunch. Joshua Kerry, a 28-year-old white British national from Rotherham in northern England, appeared in court on Tuesday charged with her murder. He was not asked to enter a plea during the initial hearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, where he wore a grey tracksuit. A subsequent hearing at the Old Bailey court saw him remanded in custody until his next appearance in October. Authorities have stated that they believe Widdecombe was specifically targeted, though the motive behind the attack remains under investigation. An inquiry into potential terrorism-related offenses is currently underway. According to prosecutor Kashif Malik, a camera installed in Widdecombe’s home recorded the attack. The footage showed Kerry entering the property while she was mid-meal and asking, “Don’t suppose you have bank cards and ID?” He was wearing black gloves and had concealed a hammer at his side to avoid drawing attention. Malik described how Kerry struck Widdecombe 21 times, knocking her out of her chair onto the floor before stealing her wallet and leaving the premises within two minutes. The prosecution emphasized that the attack was both premeditated and brutal. Widdecombe had long been associated with socially conservative policies, particularly in her roles as an immigration and justice spokesperson for Reform UK. Her career spanned decades, beginning with her time in John Major’s government and continuing through her involvement in various media projects after retiring from Parliament in 2010. Her death has sparked renewed discussions about the safety of politicians in the United Kingdom, especially given that two sitting members of Parliament have been murdered since 2016. The case has drawn attention from law enforcement and political circles alike. Police have indicated that the suspect traveled over 250 miles from Rotherham to commit the crime, raising questions about his travel plans and potential connections to the victim. While no specific link between Kerry and Widdecombe has been disclosed publicly, investigators are examining whether there were prior interactions or grievances that could explain the attack. Reform UK, the party Widdecombe represented, expressed shock at the news and pledged support for the legal process. Meanwhile, the broader political landscape continues to grapple with the implications of such violence against public figures. As the trial progresses, additional evidence is expected to emerge regarding the circumstances surrounding the attack and the nature of the relationship, if any, between the accused and the victim. The case will likely be heard in the coming months, with further hearings scheduled at the Old Bailey. Until then, the focus remains on uncovering the motives behind the attack and ensuring that justice is served. The prosecution has indicated that the investigation into possible terrorism links is ongoing, suggesting that the case may involve complex layers beyond a simple act of violence.