Ann Widdecombe's cause of death is yet to be established, inquest hears as suspect charged with her murder is due to appear in court

See more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred Source Published: 05:23 EDT, 21 July 2026 | Updated: 06:03 EDT, 21 July 2026 Ann Widdecombe's inquest has opened today and revealed the cause of her death is still yet to be established.Senior coroner for Devon, Philip Spinney, said the 'precise' reason the former Tory minister died has not been confirmed, although she had 'visible injuries'.She was found dead at her rural property after becoming 'uncontactable', prompting a member of staff to carry out a welfare check at her Dartmoor home on July 9, the inquest heard.A post-mortem examination has taken place but 'at this stage the precise medical cause of death is yet to be established', Mr Spinney said, as he opened, then adjourned, the inquest.It came as the man accused of her murder arrived at Westminster Magistrates' Court this morning for his first appearance.Joshua Kerry, from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, is accused of driving 300 miles to her bungalow in Haytor and killing Miss Widdecombe. Ann Widdecombe, a former MEP and Tory minister, appearing on TalkTV on July 8, believed to be the day she was killedKerry, who has been remanded into custody, was first arrested on suspicion of murder on July 11, two days after the 78-year-old was found dead at her home in Devon.His court appearance coincided with the opening of the inquest into her death. During a brief hearing at Exeter Coroners Court this morning Senior Coroner Philip Spinney said retired MP Miss Widdecombe was found by an employee who was asked to perform a welfare check.The coroner confirmed a post mortem has taken place but the medical cause of death has yet to be established.Concerns were raised after she was uncountable and missed a media interview the previous day. Joshua Kerry, 28, who has been charged over the death of Ann Widdecombe Kerry arrived at Westminster Magistrates' Court around the same time the inquest into Miss Widdecombe's death opened A statement from Coroner's Officer Sarah Haworth said: 'Concerns were raised that she was uncountable and an employee who was due at the home address was asked to conduct a welfare check.'She was found to be unresponsive with visible injuries.'The post mortem examination has taken place and at this stage of the process the precise medical cause of death has yet to be established.'She was pronounced dead at the scene at 12.20pm on July 9Mr Spinney said he would suspend the inquest until the conclusion of criminal proceedings and added: 'It is plain that Miss Widdecombe was much loved and greatly missed.'I'd like to offer my condolences to the family of Miss Widdecombe.'