Cause of Ann Widdecombe's death 'yet to be established', inquest hears
The former MP and MEP was found dead at her home in Dartmoor earlier this month
Last updated 8 hours ago
The opening of an inquest into Ann Widdecombe’s cause of death has heard how it is yet to be established.
The former MP and MEP was found dead at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor, Devon, on July 9, having suffered “visible injuries”, the brief hearing at Exeter Coroner’s Court heard.
Read more: Man charged over Ann Widdecombe murder
Philip Spinney, senior coroner for the county of Devon, Plymouth and Torbay, said Miss Widdecombe was found unresponsive in her home by an employee carrying out a welfare check after concerns were raised due to her being “uncontactable”.
Emergency services were called to her address in Haytor Vale but she was pronounced dead at 12.20pm on July 9.
During the brief hearing at Exeter Coroner’s Court today (21/7), senior coroner Philip Spinney said: “A post-mortem examination has taken place and at this stage the precise medical cause of death has yet to be established.
“Shortly after the conclusion of this hearing I shall be taking steps to formally suspend this inquest… Until the conclusion of the criminal proceedings.
“Ann Noreen Widdecombe died at Widdecombe’s Rest, Haytor Vale, Haytor, Newton Abbott, Devon, on 9th July 2026 at 12.20
“The circumstances of death are as follows.
“Concerns were raised that Miss Widdecombe was uncontactable so an employee who was due at her home address was asked to carry out a welfare check.
“Miss Widdecombe was located within her property. She was found to be unresponsive with visible injuries. The emergency services were called and she was sadly declared deceased at the scene.
“The inquest is now adjourned and in light of the information a 28-year-old gentleman is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court today charged with Miss Widdecombe’s murder.”
The coroner added he wished to offer his “deep condolences” to the family of Miss Widdecombe.
It comes as a man has been charged with the murder of former MP Ann Widdecombe.
Joshua Kerry, who is 28 and from South Yorkshire, will appear at Westminster Magistrates Court today (21/7).