An inquest into the death of former Conservative MP and MEP Ann Widdecombe has begun, with officials confirming that the exact medical cause of her death has not yet been established.
The brief hearing took place at Exeter Coroner’s Court on Tuesday, July 21, where the case was formally opened before being postponed while criminal proceedings continue.
Welfare Check Led to Discovery at Devon Home
The 78-year-old politician was found dead at her residence, Widdecombe’s Rest, in Haytor Vale on Dartmoor, Devon, on July 9 after concerns grew when she could no longer be contacted.
Senior coroner Philip Spinney explained that a member of Widdecombe’s staff was asked to carry out a welfare check after attempts to reach her proved unsuccessful.
Upon arriving at the property, the employee discovered her unresponsive and noted visible injuries before alerting emergency services.
Paramedics attended the scene, but Widdecombe was pronounced dead at 12:20 p.m. that day.
Post-Mortem Yet to Provide Final Medical Explanation
During the hearing, the coroner confirmed that a post-mortem examination had been completed but had not yet determined the precise medical cause of death.
Mr Spinney told the court that further investigations remain necessary before an official conclusion can be reached.
As a result, the inquest will not proceed until related criminal proceedings have been resolved.
Coroner Suspends Proceedings Pending Criminal Trial
The inquest was formally adjourned after the coroner announced it would be suspended until the conclusion of the ongoing criminal case connected to Widdecombe’s death.
Before ending the hearing, Mr Spinney expressed his sympathies to the former politician’s relatives, offering his “deep condolences” to her family.
Murder Charge Filed Against 28-Year-Old Suspect
On the same day the inquest opened, 28-year-old Joshua Kerry appeared before Westminster Magistrates’ Court after being charged with Ann Widdecombe’s murder.
The criminal case will now proceed through the courts, with the outcome expected to determine when the inquest can resume and establish the full circumstances surrounding the former MP’s death.
