Posted Tue 21 Jul 2026 at 4:27amTue 21 Jul 2026 at 4:27amAnn Widdecombe, a former minister, was found dead at her home having sustained serious injuries. (Reuters: John Sibley)In short:A man has been charged with murder after the death of prominent conservative politician Ann Widdecombe in her home.Police are continuing to investigate any possible political motivations behind the attack.What's next?Joshua Kerry, 28, will appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court.The UK's Crown Prosecution Service says it has charged a man with murder following the death of prominent British political figure Ann Widdecombe.Joshua Kerry, 28, is set to appear in London's Westminster Magistrates' Court later today.He was charged on Monday evening, local time, after being arrested a week prior in relation to Ms Widdecombe's death.Ms Widdecombe, 78, had been a high-profile figure in the Conservative Party and had been serving as a spokesperson for the right-wing Reform UK party, which has been leading in most UK polls, at the time of her death.British counterterrorism police had been treating the former MP's alleged murder on July 8 as a targeted attack.Police had previously announced that a counterterrorism investigation was running in parallel with the murder investigation.Police say they are following over 800 lines of inquiry in relation to Ann Widdecombe's death. (AP: PA/Matt Keeble)Police arrested Mr Kerry in Rotherham, more than 400 kilometres away from Ms Widdecombe's home in the west of England.In a statement, CPS Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division chief crown prosecutor Frank Ferguson said police inquiries into Mr Kerry's motives were ongoing, including "a potential political or terrorist connection"."Our prosecutors have worked closely with the police to establish that there is sufficient evidence to bring this case to court, and we will continue working with them as their investigation progresses," he said."We remind all concerned that proceedings against the defendant are active and he has the right to a fair trial."[PIC: Widdecombe reform]Police investigate 'any possible political motivation' Ms Widdecombe served as a Conservative MP between 1987 and 2010, and her death has sparked debate over the safety of British politicians.Metropolitan Police Head of National Counterterrorism Policing Laurence Taylor said Mr Kerry, a British national, would be remanded in custody."It remains the case we are not looking for anyone else in relation to this incident," Assistant Commissioner Taylor said."Given Ann Widdecombe's profile and the targeted nature of the attack, determining the motivation, including any possible political motivation, remains an active avenue of investigation for our detectives."He said authorities were following over 800 lines of inquiry and asked the public for patience."We are working closely with the Speaker of the House and the relevant authorities to ensure elected officials are aware of what we have in place to protect them," he said.