Mourners gathered today to pay their respects to Ann Widdecombe, the former Conservative Member of Parliament and Reform UK spokeswoman, at her funeral service held near her Devon home.
The requiem mass took place at Buckfast Abbey, a Catholic abbey where Widdecombe was a frequent worshipper. The service included a homily from the Rt Rev David Charlesworth, Abbot of Buckfast.
Widdecombe, 78, died on July 8 after she was reportedly struck multiple times with a hammer at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor. Police charged 28-year-old Joshua Kerry of Rotherham, South Yorkshire, with her murder on July 20.
A statement from Buckfast Abbey described Widdecombe as someone who would be "missed and fondly remembered," adding that "many in our worshipping community knew her as a kind and warm character." The statement also noted her "profound faith" which influenced her political convictions, sharp intellect, and dedication as a public servant.
Her family confirmed that a public memorial service would follow later in the year, but requested that the initial service be limited to close family and friends.
Tributes at the requiem mass were to be delivered by Widdecombe's nephew, the Rev Roger Widdecombe, and a close friend, Sir Christian Sweeting. Donations in her memory are designated for the Leprosy Mission and Abound, which supports projects of the Christian Endeavour Hostel in India.
Widdecombe was first elected as a Conservative MP in 1987 and served as a prisons minister in the 1990s. She later became an MEP for the Brexit Party and, at the time of her death, was a spokeswoman for Reform UK on immigration and justice issues.
Outside of politics, she gained public recognition through her appearances on "Strictly Come Dancing" and "Celebrity Big Brother."
Separately, counter-terror police investigating Widdecombe's death announced they had reopened a probe into a firebombing incident at Nigel Farage's home in April 2025. Police stated a line of inquiry was identified concerning the attack that was not pursued at the time. Farage described the incident as an "outright arson attempt."
Devon and Cornwall Police faced criticism for initially stating there was "nothing to suggest" Widdecombe's killing was politically motivated, before counter-terrorism officers took over the case based on emerging evidence.
