Ann Widdecombe's funeral to be held at Catholic abbey in Devon
The funeral service for former MP Ann Widdecombe will be held this Wednesday at Buckfast Abbey in Devon. She died on July 8th after being attacked at her home.
Key takeaways
- Ann Widdecombe's funeral mass will be held this Wednesday at Buckfast Abbey in Devon.
- The former MP and Reform UK spokeswoman died on July 8th.
- Joshua Kerry, 28, has been charged with her murder.
- A public memorial service will be organized later this year.
The funeral service for Ann Widdecombe, a former Conservative MP and Reform UK spokeswoman, is scheduled to take place this week at Buckfast Abbey in Devon.
What Happened
A requiem mass will be held for Ms. Widdecombe, 78, at the Catholic abbey where she was a regular worshipper. The private ceremony will include a homily delivered by the Abbot of Buckfast, the Rt Rev David Charlesworth. Ms. Widdecombe died on July 8th at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor, Devon. Joshua Kerry, 28, of Rotherham, South Yorkshire, has been charged with her murder, with police filing charges on July 20th.
A statement from Buckfast Abbey described Ms. Widdecombe as a "kind and warm character" who will be "missed and fondly remembered" by the worshipping community. The abbey noted her "profound faith" that informed her public life in politics, describing her as a person with a "sharp intellect" and a "dedicated public servant" unafraid to voice her convictions.
Ms. Widdecombe was interviewed by a Christian radio station shortly before police believe she was murdered. Messages exchanged with a TV producer indicate she stopped responding minutes before the estimated time of the attack.
A public memorial service is planned for Ms. Widdecombe later this year, with details to be announced by her family. The family has requested that the initial service be limited to close relations.
Background
Ann Widdecombe began her political career as a Conservative MP for Kent in 1987. She served as a prisons minister in the 1990s and later became an MEP for the Brexit Party. At the time of her death, she was serving as the spokeswoman on immigration and justice for Reform UK. Beyond politics, Ms. Widdecombe gained public recognition through appearances on television shows such as 'Strictly Come Dancing' and 'Celebrity Big Brother'.
Key Facts
- Ann Widdecombe's funeral will be held at Buckfast Abbey in Devon on Wednesday.
- She was 78 years old when she died on July 8th.
- Police believe she was murdered at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor.
- Joshua Kerry, 28, has been charged with her murder.
- A public memorial service will be held later in the year.
Sources reviewed
Project Chintan independently synthesized and analyzed information cross-checked across the sources listed above.
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