The family of former Conservative minister and Reform UK spokeswoman Ann Widdecombe have announced plans for a private funeral in the coming weeks, followed by a public memorial later this year as tributes continue to pour in after her death.

The 78-year-old politician was found dead at her isolated home in Haytor on the edge of Dartmoor National Park on July 9 after sustaining serious head injuries, in a case that has stunned Britain’s political establishment and prompted a major murder investigation.’

As criminal proceedings continue against the man accused of killing her, Widdecombe’s relatives have confirmed that her funeral will be an intimate occasion attended only by those closest to her, while a larger memorial service will give members of the public an opportunity to celebrate her life and legacy.

In a statement released on behalf of the family, they acknowledged the significant public interest surrounding Widdecombe’s death but asked for privacy during the funeral.

“We understand that there is significant public interest in the funeral of Ann Widdecombe,” the statement read.

“A private service for family and close friends will be held in the coming weeks, and invitations for this ceremony have been distributed.”

The family also revealed that a public memorial is being planned for later this year.

“A more public memorial will follow later in the year, the details of which will be released in due course,” the statement continued.

“While we are very grateful for the wide expression of condolences, the family would ask that this initial service is limited to those closest to Ann.”

The announcement comes as the criminal case surrounding Widdecombe’s death moves through the courts.

Joshua Kerry, 28, from South Yorkshire, appeared before the Old Bailey after being charged with her murder.

Prosecutors allege that the former MP was attacked while eating lunch inside her rural Devon home on July 8.

According to evidence presented during the hearing, Kerry allegedly drove hundreds of miles from South Yorkshire before arriving outside the property in Haytor.

The court heard that security footage allegedly captured his vehicle pulling up outside the house before he entered through the front door.

Prosecutors said Widdecombe had been sitting in her kitchen eating lunch when the defendant approached her.

The court was told he allegedly asked: “Don’t suppose you have bank cards and ID?”

Moments later, prosecutors claim he attacked the veteran politician with a hammer.

The prosecution alleges Widdecombe suffered 21 blows to the head before collapsing onto the kitchen floor.

She was discovered the following day after failing to attend a scheduled television interview.

A gardener who had been asked to check on her welfare found her lying face down inside the property.

Prosecutors told the court that a provisional post-mortem examination concluded her cause of death was blunt force injuries to the head.

Kerry has been charged with murder.

He has not been charged with any terrorism offences.

However, detectives continue to investigate whether the killing may have been politically motivated or linked to extremist ideology.

Counter Terrorism Policing took over the investigation after officers said new evidence emerged during the inquiry.

Authorities have stressed that multiple lines of investigation remain ongoing as detectives continue examining the defendant’s alleged motives.

Police have urged the public to avoid speculation while criminal proceedings remain active.

The case has generated widespread public attention because of Widdecombe’s decades-long political career and prominent public profile.

First elected as Conservative MP for Maidstone in 1987, Widdecombe quickly became one of Westminster’s most recognizable figures.

Known for her outspoken opinions and uncompromising debating style, she served in several ministerial roles during John Major’s government, including prisons minister in the 1990s.

Throughout her parliamentary career she became well known for her strong views on criminal justice, immigration and a range of social issues.

After standing down from Parliament in 2010, Widdecombe successfully reinvented herself as a television personality.

She became a fan favorite after appearing on Strictly Come Dancing, where her determination and sense of humor won over audiences despite her limited dance experience.

She later appeared on Celebrity Big Brother and fronted documentaries exploring political and social issues.

In 2019, Widdecombe returned to frontline politics by joining Nigel Farage’s Brexit Party.

She was elected as a Member of the European Parliament and served until Britain formally left the European Union.

Following Brexit, she joined Reform UK, where she became one of the party’s most prominent spokespeople on immigration and justice.

Even political opponents often acknowledged her fearless debating style and willingness to defend her beliefs.

Following news of her death, tributes arrived from across the political spectrum.

Friends and colleagues remembered her sharp intellect, quick wit and commitment to public service.

Many described her as a politician who remained true to her convictions throughout her career, regardless of whether those views proved popular.

Others reflected on her transition from politics into broadcasting, where she introduced herself to a new generation of viewers through entertainment programmes and documentaries.

Her family have received an outpouring of sympathy from members of the public since announcing her death.

The decision to hold a separate public memorial reflects Widdecombe’s unique place in British public life.

Having spent nearly four decades in the public eye through politics, television and campaigning, the family acknowledged that many people who admired her would wish to pay their respects.

By separating the funeral from the larger memorial, relatives hope to balance public interest with the family’s desire for privacy during the immediate period of mourning.

The timing and location of the memorial service have not yet been announced.

Family members said further details will be released in due course.

Meanwhile, the criminal investigation continues as prosecutors prepare their case against Kerry.

Detectives remain focused on establishing exactly why Widdecombe was allegedly targeted and whether ideological factors played any role in the attack.

As Britain continues to reflect on the loss of one of its most recognizable political figures, the forthcoming funeral and later public memorial are expected to provide opportunities for both family and admirers to remember a woman whose outspoken personality, unwavering convictions and lengthy public career left a lasting mark on British politics.