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Suspect Charged in Widdecombe Murder; MPs' Security Review

7/22/2026

28 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Joshua Kerry was charged with murdering former MP Ann Widdecombe after striking her 21 times with a hammer on July 8 in Devon, where she was found dead the next day with blunt-force injuries.
Kerry entered the home through front door wearing black gloves, took the wallet, and left after two minutes.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham called for a review of MPs’ security after counter-terrorism detectives began probing terrorist motives.

History

Historical Context

On 12 October 1984 the IRA detonated a 100-lb gelignite bomb at Brighton’s Grand Hotel, killing five people including Conservative MP Sir Anthony Berry and injuring over thirty. Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher ordered a security overhaul and MI5 began mandatory risk assessments for MPs. The attack’s legacy shapes today’s ongoing debates over parliamentary protection.

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Story summary

Joshua Kerry was charged with murdering former MP Ann Widdecombe after striking her 21 times with a hammer on July 8 in Devon, where she was found dead the next day with blunt-force injuries.
Kerry entered the home through front door wearing black gloves, took the wallet, and left after two minutes.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham called for a review of MPs’ security after counter-terrorism detectives began probing terrorist motives.

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