Thursday 9 July 2026
Ann Widdecombe was found dead at her home in Haytor, Devon, on the edge of Dartmoor National Park.
AP
Thursday 9 July 2026, 11:40am
The ambulance service found Widdecombe's body with serious injuries at her home in Haytor, Devon, according to Devon and Cornwall Police as reported by The Guardian.
The Guardian
Friday 10 July 2026
Devon and Cornwall Police launched a murder investigation into Widdecombe's death, according to The Guardian's report of the police statement.
The Guardian
Friday 10 July 2026
British police arrested a 26-year-old man on suspicion of murder in connection with Widdecombe's death, according to AP.
AP
Saturday 11 July 2026
Devon and Cornwall Police released the 26-year-old man and said he was no longer under investigation, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Los Angeles Times
Saturday 11 July 2026
Devon and Cornwall Police said Widdecombe may have been attacked nearly 24 hours before she was found dead, according to The Guardian.
The Guardian
Saturday 11 July 2026
Police arrested a 28-year-old man in South Yorkshire on suspicion of murder over Widdecombe's death, according to AP.
AP
Saturday 11 July 2026
The 28-year-old arrested man was described by police as a white British national and was in police custody, according to ABC News Australia.
ABC News Australia
Sunday 12 July 2026
Devon and Cornwall Police Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman said there was no information at that point to suggest the incident was terrorism-related or politically motivated, according to The Guardian.
The Guardian
Monday 13 July 2026
Counter Terrorism Policing South East said counter-terrorism police were now leading the investigation after new information and evidence came to light, according to The Guardian.
The Guardian
Monday 13 July 2026
AP reported that police said Widdecombe's killing was being investigated as a terrorist act.
AP
Monday 13 July 2026
The 28-year-old man in custody on suspicion of murder was rearrested on suspicion of commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism; the allegations are unproven and AP reported the man had not been charged or named.
AP
Tuesday 14 July 2026
Laurence Taylor, head of National Counter Terrorism Policing, said Widdecombe was killed in a targeted attack, while the motivation remained under investigation.
AP
Tuesday 14 July 2026
The 28-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder and terror crimes remained in custody on an extended detention warrant under the Terrorism Act; the allegations are unproven and no charge was reported.
AP
Tuesday 14 July 2026
Taylor said police had found evidence of planning during searches at the 28-year-old man's home but did not provide details; the allegations are unproven and no charge was reported.
AP
Tuesday 14 July 2026
The Guardian reported that investigators were examining whether a leftwing, anarchist, single-issue, anti-Reform UK, or anti-Widdecombe-views motivation may have been a factor, while sources stressed the investigation was at an early stage and initial assumptions could change.
The Guardian
Tuesday 14 July 2026
Laurence Taylor said a possible link between a TV appearance by Widdecombe and the killing was a line of inquiry, according to The Guardian.
The Guardian
Tuesday 14 July 2026
The Guardian reported that, while the killing was being investigated by counter-terrorism police, it had not been formally designated as a terrorist attack.
The Guardian
Monday 20 July 2026
The Crown Prosecution Service charged Joshua Kerry, 28, from Rotherham, with murder in connection with Ann Widdecombe's death; the charge is an unproven allegation.
AP; The Guardian · added 28 Jul 2026
Monday 20 July 2026
The Crown Prosecution Service said police inquiries into Kerry's motives were ongoing, including a potential political or terrorist connection; no motive finding was reported.
The Guardian · added 28 Jul 2026
Tuesday 21 July 2026
Kerry appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court charged with murder; the charge is an unproven allegation.
AP; The Guardian · added 28 Jul 2026
Tuesday 21 July 2026
At Westminster Magistrates' Court, prosecutor Kashif Malik said security camera footage indicated Widdecombe was fatally attacked on 8 July 2026.
The Guardian · added 28 Jul 2026
Tuesday 21 July 2026
At Westminster Magistrates' Court, prosecutor Kashif Malik said a pathologist had given a provisional cause of death as blunt force trauma to the head.
The Guardian · added 28 Jul 2026
Tuesday 21 July 2026
An inquest into Widdecombe's death opened in Exeter and was suspended until the conclusion of criminal proceedings; the senior coroner said the precise medical cause of death had not yet been established.
The Guardian · added 28 Jul 2026
Tuesday 21 July 2026
Kerry appeared at the Old Bailey, was denied bail, and was remanded in custody; the charge against him remains an unproven allegation.
The Guardian · added 28 Jul 2026
Friday 9 October 2026
A case management hearing was scheduled for 9 October 2026.
The Guardian · added 28 Jul 2026
Tuesday 8 June 2027
A provisional trial date was set for 8 June 2027.
The Guardian · added 28 Jul 2026