Cause of Ann Widdecombe’s death yet to be established, inquest hears

Ann Widdecombe (Joe Giddens/PA) - (PA Archive)

The cause of Ann Widdecombe’s death is yet to be established, the opening of an inquest into her death has heard.

The former MP and MEP was found with “visible injuries” at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor, Devon, on July 9, a brief hearing at Exeter Coroner’s Court heard on Tuesday.

Philip Spinney, senior coroner for the county of Devon, Plymouth and Torbay, said Miss Widdecombe was found unresponsive by an employee after concerns were raised because she was “uncontactable”.

Emergency services were called to the house but she was pronounced dead at the scene.

Joshua Kerry, from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday charged with her murder.

Police activity outside a house in Rotherham (Dave Higgens/PA) (PA Wire)

Kerry, who has been remanded into custody, was first arrested on suspicion of murder on July 11, two days after Miss Widdecombe, 78, was found dead at her home in Devon.

Two days after he was arrested for murder, Kerry was additionally arrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism, but he has not been charged with this offence.

During the inquest opening on Tuesday, Mr Spinney said: “Concerns were raised that Miss Widdecombe was uncontactable so an employee who was due at her home address was asked to carry out a welfare check.

“Miss Widdecombe was located within her property. She was found to be unresponsive with visible injuries. The emergency services were called and she was sadly declared deceased at the scene.

“A post mortem examination has taken place and at this stage the precise medical cause of death has yet to be established.”

The coroner said the inquest would be adjourned until the conclusion of the criminal proceedings.

He said it was apparent Miss Widdecombe was “much loved” and extended his “deep condolences” to her family.

Miss Widdecombe was first elected as a Conservative MP in Kent in 1987, and went on to become an MEP for the Brexit Party and then a spokeswoman for Reform UK.

She also found fame outside politics after starring in Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother.