Ann Widdecombe’s suspected murder has taken a significant step forward after a 28-year-old man from Rotherham was formally charged in connection with the death of the former MP and Reform UK spokesperson.

Joshua Kerry has been charged with murder following a major police investigation into Widdecombe’s death at her home in Haytor Vale, Devon. He is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday as criminal proceedings officially begin.

The charge comes after detectives spent nearly two weeks investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of the 78-year-old political figure, whose killing shocked Westminster and sparked a major counter-terrorism inquiry.

Widdecombe was discovered dead inside her isolated home on Dartmoor at around 11.40am on Thursday, July 9, after emergency services were called to the property. She had suffered what police described as “serious injuries.”

Although her body was found on Thursday morning, investigators believe she had been attacked approximately 24 hours earlier, at around 12.30pm on Wednesday, July 8.

The timeline has become a crucial part of the investigation, with detectives examining Widdecombe’s final communications, movements and activities before she was found.

Frank Ferguson, chief crown prosecutor of the Crown Prosecution Service’s Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division, confirmed the decision to prosecute Kerry after reviewing evidence provided by police.

“We have decided to prosecute Joshua Kerry for murder following a police investigation into the death of Ann Widdecombe in Haytor, Dartmoor,” Ferguson said.

He added that investigators were continuing to examine the suspect’s motives, including whether there was any political or terrorist connection behind the attack.

“Police inquiries into the defendant’s motives are ongoing, including a potential political or terrorist connection,” Ferguson said.

The CPS emphasized that while Kerry has been charged, he remains legally entitled to a fair trial and warned against speculation that could affect future court proceedings.

“We remind all concerned that proceedings against the defendant are active and he has the right to a fair trial,” Ferguson said.

“It is vital that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”

The case has attracted significant national attention because of Widdecombe’s long career in public life and her role as a prominent political commentator.

A former Conservative MP, Widdecombe represented Maidstone and later Maidstone and The Weald for more than two decades before leaving Parliament in 2010.

She later became widely recognized beyond politics through television appearances, including her memorable participation in Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother.

In later years, she became associated with Brexit politics and joined the Brexit Party before becoming a spokesperson for Reform UK.

Her death prompted tributes from politicians across the political spectrum, with colleagues describing her as a determined, outspoken and influential figure who had shaped British public debate for decades.

The investigation changed direction last week when Counter Terrorism Policing South East took over responsibility from Devon and Cornwall Police.

Authorities said the decision followed the discovery of “new information and evidence” during the early stages of the murder inquiry.

Initially, police stated there was no indication that the killing was politically motivated or connected to terrorism.

However, after further evidence emerged, counter-terrorism officers became involved and began investigating whether Widdecombe’s political profile may have been linked to the attack.

The suspect, Kerry, had previously been arrested in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, more than 250 miles away from Widdecombe’s Devon home.

Police described him as a white British national but did not release further details while the investigation was ongoing.

Authorities have not publicly disclosed the specific evidence that led to Kerry being charged, and investigators have urged the public not to speculate about the case.

The arrest followed extensive police activity in South Yorkshire, including searches connected to the suspect’s address.

Before Kerry was charged, officers had also explored other possible leads, including the arrest of another man shortly after Widdecombe’s death.

Devon and Cornwall Police initially arrested a 26-year-old man from Newton Abbot, Devon, on suspicion of murder.

However, that individual was later released from custody without further action and police confirmed he was no longer considered part of the investigation.

Attention then focused on Kerry as detectives continued building their case.

The decision to involve counter-terrorism officers highlighted the seriousness of the investigation and the need to establish whether Widdecombe’s political views, public profile or affiliations played any role in her death.

Counter-terrorism officials have previously stated that determining motivation is a central part of the inquiry.

Understanding why an attack occurred is considered essential in cases involving public figures, particularly when there is concern that wider ideological factors may have contributed.

Investigators have also been working to reconstruct Widdecombe’s final hours.

On the morning of July 8, shortly before detectives believe she was attacked, Widdecombe participated in a television interview from her home.

She was scheduled to appear later on Channel 5’s Matt Allwright show but failed to attend, prompting concerns from production staff.

Messages between Widdecombe and television producers showed that she had been actively communicating shortly before the estimated time of the attack.

Her sudden disappearance from communication became one of the first warning signs that something was wrong.

Police have been examining these final interactions as part of their wider effort to establish a detailed timeline.

The former MP’s death has deeply affected residents in Haytor Vale, a quiet Dartmoor community where violent crime is rare.

Neighbors described Widdecombe as a familiar and respected figure in the area, saying her death had left many residents shocked.

Political leaders have also expressed concern about the wider implications of the attack.

The killing of a former parliamentarian has renewed discussions about the safety of politicians and public figures, particularly those who maintain high profiles in controversial political debates.

As Kerry prepares to appear in court, police continue examining the evidence surrounding Widdecombe’s death while prosecutors prepare the case against him.

Authorities have stressed that the investigation remains active and that further developments may emerge as detectives continue their work.

For now, the central questions surrounding the killing remain focused on what happened inside Widdecombe’s Devon home, why she was targeted and whether the attack was connected to her political role.

Those answers will now form the focus of a legal process that begins with Kerry’s first appearance before Westminster Magistrates’ Court.