A 28-year-old man described by those who knew him as ‘quiet and shy’ has been named as the suspect arrested in connection with the murder of former Conservative minister Ann Widdecombe at her Devon home in what police are treating as a suspected terrorist attack.
Joshua Kerry, whose photograph has now emerged for the first time since his arrest, is accused of targeting the 78-year-old politician and broadcaster at her property in Devon. The case has sent shockwaves through British political circles and raised urgent questions about the safety of former public figures in the United Kingdom.
Ann Widdecombe, one of the most recognisable faces in British public life, served as a Member of Parliament for Maidstone from 1987 to 2010 and held several senior government positions, including Minister of State for Prisons under John Major’s government. She later became a prominent media personality, appearing on shows including Strictly Come Dancing, and remained a vocal commentator on political affairs up until her death.
Neighbours and acquaintances of Kerry have spoken of their disbelief following his arrest, with several describing him as an unremarkable and introverted individual who gave little indication of any capacity for violence. ‘He was always very quiet, kept himself to himself,’ one local resident said. ‘You would never have thought anything like this could happen.’
Counter-terrorism officers are leading the investigation, suggesting authorities believe there may have been an ideological motive behind the attack. The involvement of specialist counter-terrorism units at such an early stage signals the seriousness with which law enforcement is treating the circumstances surrounding Widdecombe’s death.
Detectives from the Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism Command, working alongside Devon and Cornwall Police, have been conducting extensive enquiries since the incident. A scene guard has remained in place at the property as forensic teams continue their work.
The attack has prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the political spectrum. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak described Widdecombe as ‘a formidable and fearless woman who dedicated her life to public service,’ while Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said the news was ‘deeply shocking and deeply saddening.’
Former colleagues from Westminster remembered her as a conviction politician who never shied away from controversy. She was known for her outspoken views on issues ranging from criminal justice to Brexit, and her willingness to challenge the political establishment made her a beloved figure among many Conservative supporters even after she left Parliament.
Widdecombe had also served as a Member of the European Parliament for the Brexit Party between 2019 and 2020, cementing her status as one of the most prominent voices in favour of Britain’s departure from the European Union.
The case raises profound concerns about the security arrangements afforded to former politicians in the United Kingdom. Unlike sitting MPs, former members of Parliament do not routinely receive state-funded security protection, leaving many relying entirely on standard police services available to the general public.
This is not the first time the safety of British politicians has come under the spotlight in recent years. The murders of MP Jo Cox in 2016 and Sir David Amess in 2021 prompted reviews of security measures for elected officials, but critics argue that those who have left office remain dangerously exposed.
Security experts have called on the government to urgently review the protections available to former ministers and MPs, particularly those who remain in the public eye and continue to engage in political commentary. ‘We cannot continue to treat the retirement from public life as the point at which all security considerations end,’ one former senior police officer told reporters.
Kerry is currently being held in custody under terrorism legislation, which allows for an extended period of detention without charge. Investigators are believed to be examining his background, online activity, and any potential connections to extremist networks as part of their enquiries.
Devon and Cornwall Police have urged anyone with information about Kerry or who may have witnessed anything suspicious in the area in the days leading up to the attack to come forward and contact officers. A dedicated incident room has been established to handle the volume of information being received by investigators.
As the nation mourns the loss of one of its most distinctive political personalities, the focus now turns to understanding how this attack was planned and carried out, and whether anything could have been done to prevent it. For many who knew and admired Ann Widdecombe, the manner of her death has added an additional layer of grief to an already devastating loss.
Scary stuff. You never really know what’s going on in someones head do you. Hope Ann is alright, must have been terrifying for her regardless of her politics.