Family of Ann Widdecombe announces public memorial for later this year

The family of Ann Widdecombe has announced that a public memorial for the 78-year-old Reform UK spokeswoman and former Tory minister will be held later this year.

In a statement, Miss Widdecombe's family said: "We understand that there is significant public interest in the funeral of Ann Widdecombe. A private service for family and close friends will be held in the coming weeks and invitations for this ceremony have been distributed. A more public memorial will follow later in the year the details of which will be released in due course. 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."

Miss Widdecombe was found dead at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor, Devon on 9 July with serious head injuries. A provisional cause of death was recorded as blunt force injury to the head.

Joshua Kerry, 28, from Rotherham, South Yorkshire appeared in court on Tuesday charged with her murder. Prosecutors allege that on 8 July, Miss Widdecombe had been eating lunch when Kerry allegedly pulled up outside her bungalow in a red Vauxhall Corsa and entered via the front door. Kerry then allegedly struck Miss Widdecombe on the top of her head 21 times with a hammer, the Old Bailey was told on Tuesday.

Detectives continue to examine any potential political or terrorist motive for the killing.

Miss Widdecombe was first elected as a Conservative MP in Kent in 1987 and served as a prisons minister during the 1990s. She subsequently became an MEP for the Brexit Party. At the time of her passing she was a spokeswoman on immigration and justice for Reform UK.

She also achieved recognition beyond politics through her appearances on Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother.