Public Memorial Planned for Former Minister Ann Widdecombe
(Photo: Aid to the Church in Need)
Ann Widdecombe, a former Conservative minister and Reform UK spokeswoman, will be commemorated in a public memorial later this year, according to an announcement from her family.
The 78-year-old was discovered with severe head injuries at her residence in Haytor, Devon, on July 9. Authorities are still investigating the case, which they have described as “complex.”
In recent court proceedings, Joshua Kerry, a 28-year-old from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, was charged with her murder. Prosecutors stated that Widdecombe was struck 21 times with a hammer. Kerry has yet to enter a plea and remains in custody after being denied bail.
A private service for family and close friends is scheduled, alongside the public memorial that will be announced later. Her family expressed in a statement, “We understand that there is significant public interest in the funeral of Ann Widdecombe.”
“A private service for family and close friends will be held in the coming weeks, and invitations for this ceremony have been distributed.
“A more public memorial will follow later in the year, the details of which will be released in due course.
“While we are very grateful for the wide expression of condolences, the family would ask that this initial service is limited to those closest to Ann.”
The specifics of the public memorial, including its date and venue, remain unconfirmed.
Widdecombe, a devout Catholic, began her political career as a Conservative MP for Maidstone in 1987 and later served as prisons minister during the 1990s. She also represented the Brexit Party as an MEP and was serving as Reform UK’s spokeswoman on immigration and justice at the time of her passing.
Known for her firm stance on the right to life, religious freedom, and free speech, Widdecombe famously told Oxford students that “no one had the right to not be offended.” Despite her controversial views, she became a popular figure after appearing on shows like Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother.
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
