Detectives made an arrest on July 11

A man from Rotherham has been charged with murder following the death of Ann Widdecombe.

Joshua Kerry, aged 28, was arrested on suspicion of her murder on July 11.

Ann Widdecombe was found dead at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor, Devon, on July 9.

placeholder image — Ann Widdecombe was found dead at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor, Devon, on July 9.

He has now been charged, the Crown Prosecution Service said.

He is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.

Miss Widdecombe, 78, was found dead at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor, Devon, on July 9.

On July 13, Joshua Kerry, was additionally arrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.

Frank Ferguson, chief crown prosecutor of the CPS special crime and counter terrorism division said: “We have decided to prosecute Joshua Kerry for murder following a police investigation into the death of Ann Widdecombe in Haytor, Dartmoor.

“Police enquiries into the defendant’s motives are 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.

“We remind all concerned that proceedings against the defendant are active and he has the right to a fair trial.

“It is vital that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”

Miss Widdecombe was first elected as a Conservative MP in Kent in 1987, and went on to become an MEP for the Brexit Party and then a spokeswoman for Reform UK.

She also found fame outside politics after starring in Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother.

Tributes were paid to her by figures across the political spectrum after her death, with Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood calling her “one of those rare politicians who was bigger than politics”.