Ann Widdecombe funeral held at Buckfast Abbey after hammer attack

Buckfast Abbey in Devon hosted a requiem mass today for Ann Widdecombe, the former Conservative MP and Reform UK spokeswoman. Widdecombe, 78, died on 8 July after sustaining 21 hammer blows to the head at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor.

The service was private, attended by family, friends and colleagues. The Rt Rev David Charlesworth, Abbot of Buckfast, delivered the homily. The abbey described Widdecombe as a woman of profound faith who brought her Catholic convictions into public life.

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Murder charge and public memorial

Joshua Kerry, 28, of Rotherham, South Yorkshire, appeared in court on 20 July charged with Widdecombe’s murder. He remains in custody. A public memorial service will be held later this year, though no date or venue has been confirmed.

Widdecombe served as Conservative MP for Maidstone from 1987 until 2010, later becoming an MEP for the Brexit Party. At the time of her death, she was Reform UK’s spokeswoman on immigration and justice. She also appeared on *Strictly Come Dancing* and *Celebrity Big Brother*.

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“Ann was a woman of profound faith, a faith which found expression in the public forum of politics. She had a sharp intellect and was a dedicated public servant.”

Buckfast Abbey statement

What happens next

Kerry is expected to appear at Exeter Crown Court for a plea and trial preparation hearing. The date is yet to be set. Reform UK has not named a successor to Widdecombe’s role as spokeswoman on immigration and justice.

The public memorial for Widdecombe will be organised by her family and former colleagues. Details, including whether the event will be ticketed or open to the public, have not been released.