Mourners gather at Buckfast Abbey for funeral of Ann Widdecombe
Politicians and broadcasters attend private requiem mass in Devon as police secure grounds; Nigel Farage absent to avoid distraction
Approximately 100 mourners, including senior politicians and broadcasters, attended a requiem mass for Ann Widdecombe at Buckfast Abbey in Devon. The former Conservative minister and Reform UK spokesperson was killed in her home in Haytor on 8 July after being struck over the head with a hammer 21 times. Joshua Kerry, 28, of Rotherham, was charged with her murder on 20 July.
The service at the Catholic abbey, which Widdecombe described as her safe haven, was preceded by a security presence involving police officers and sniffer dogs searching the grounds. The 90-minute private mass featured a homily from the abbot of Buckfast, the Rt Rev David Charlesworth, who praised her fortitude and faith amidst the shock of her death.
Attendees included shadow chancellor Mel Stride, former Conservative justice minister Crispin Blunt, and broadcaster Iain Dale. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage did not attend the private service to avoid being a distraction but is expected to attend a public memorial later this year.
Tributes were delivered by her nephew, the Rev Roger Widdecombe, and close friend Christian Sweeting. The abbey issued a statement noting Widdecombe’s profound faith and unwavering convictions, describing her as a dedicated public servant with a sharp intellect.
Donations in her memory will be split between the Leprosy Mission and Abound, supporting the Christian Endeavour Hostel in India. Widdecombe, aged 78, was first elected as MP for Maidstone in 1987 and served as a prisons minister in the 1990s before becoming an MEP for the Brexit party and a Reform UK spokesperson on immigration and justice.
