Topic Lifecycle: Dormant
This topic is currently dormant in the news cycle. It was last covered on Friday 9 October 2026 and has not appeared in recent broadcasts.
Coverage trend (last 30 days)
How much coverage this topic got from each channel over the past month.
On screen
Stills are sampled automatically at 60-second intervals. Where shown, the still is the nearest available frame from the relevant broadcast segment and is included to show what was on screen during that part of the broadcast. A still may not correspond to the exact second of a quoted phrase.
Recent stories
The latest story timelines linked to this topic, newest activity first.
What was reported
A plain summary of this topic, built from the channels that covered it.
Coverage on 9 October 2026 from BBC ONE West and Sky News focused on court proceedings involving Joshua Kerry, who is accused of murdering Ann Widdecombe and of preparing terrorist acts. BBC ONE West reported that Kerry was expected to appear at the Old Bailey by video link from Belmarsh Prison, that the hearing was at an administrative stage, and that the court was due to decide whether the murder charge and the terrorism charge should be joined. Sky News reported that Kerry appeared by video link from Belmarsh, did not appear in person, wore a grey prison tracksuit, and confirmed his name when asked. Both channels reported that Kerry faces a charge of preparing terrorist acts. BBC ONE West reported that the terrorism allegation involved online reconnaissance on prominent people and institutions, including identifying the home address of Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, and that he travelled to Farage's home in South London and tried to break into it. BBC ONE West reported that this allegation relates to a time 15 months before Ann Widdecombe was killed, in April 2025, when Farage's partner returned home to find the wooden frame of the main front door hanging off and lighter fluid in the porch. Sky News reported that the terrorism charges relate from May 2024 and include researching targets, travelling to Farage's home and attempting to gain entry. BBC ONE West reported that police say Ann Widdecombe was hit 21 times with a hammer. Sky News reported that prosecutors allege Kerry drove 265 miles from his home in Rotherham to Widdecombe's home in Devon, murdered her in July 2026 by striking her 21 times on the head with a hammer in her kitchen. Sky News reported that the murder and terrorism charges were joined into a single trial, that prosecutors described the actions as politically and ideologically motivated and the charges as a single course of conduct that were inextricably linked, and that Judge Justice Cheema-Grubb agreed to join the cases and set a trial date of 8 June 2027. BBC ONE West had reported that the court was due to decide whether to join the cases.
Key Claims by Channel
Sunday 12 July 2026
| Claim |  |  |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Widely reported · 4 or more of 5 channels | |||||
| Ann Widdecombe was a former Conservative minister and Reform UK spokesperson. | Reported by BBC News | Reported by BBC One | Reported by Channel 4 | Reported by ITV | Reported by Sky News |
| A 28-year-old white British man was arrested in Rotherham, South Yorkshire on Saturday evening, July 11. | Reported by BBC News | Reported by BBC One | Reported by Channel 4 | Reported by ITV | Reported by Sky News |
| Police stated there is no evidence the murder was politically motivated or terrorism-related. | Reported by BBC News | Reported by BBC One | Reported by Channel 4 | Reported by ITV | Reported by Sky News |
| Police are not seeking any other suspects in connection with the murder. | Reported by BBC News | Reported by BBC One | Reported by Channel 4 | Reported by ITV | Reported by Sky News |
| A 26-year-old local man was arrested on Friday, released on Saturday, and is no longer a suspect. | Reported by BBC News | Reported by BBC One | Reported by Channel 4 | Reported by ITV | Reported by Sky News |
| Police believe the attack occurred around midday on Wednesday, July 8. | Reported by BBC News | Reported by BBC One | Reported by Channel 4 | Reported by ITV | Reported by Sky News |
| Reported by a few · 2–3 channels | |||||
| Ann Widdecombe appeared on Talk TV on Wednesday morning and did not appear for a Channel 5 show later that day. | Reported by BBC News | Reported by BBC One | Reported by Channel 4 | Not reported by ITV | Not reported by Sky News |
| Counter-terrorism officers assisted in the arrest, but the incident is not being treated as terrorism. | Not reported by BBC News | Not reported by BBC One | Not reported by Channel 4 | Reported by ITV | Reported by Sky News |
| Police urged the public not to share or engage with online speculation about the motive. | Not reported by BBC News | Reported by BBC One | Reported by Channel 4 | Not reported by ITV | Not reported by Sky News |
| Only on one channel | |||||
| Anne Widdicombe died at the age of 78. | Reported by BBC News | Not reported by BBC One | Not reported by Channel 4 | Not reported by ITV | Not reported by Sky News |
| Ann Widdecombe converted to Catholicism in 1993 and held outspoken views on abortion and gay rights. | Not reported by BBC News | Not reported by BBC One | Reported by Channel 4 | Not reported by ITV | Not reported by Sky News |
| A memorial service was held at Buckfast Abbey, where Widdecombe regularly attended Mass. | Not reported by BBC News | Not reported by BBC One | Reported by Channel 4 | Not reported by ITV | Not reported by Sky News |
| Reform UK members and party leadership visited Haytor to pay respects. | Not reported by BBC News | Not reported by BBC One | Not reported by Channel 4 | Reported by ITV | Not reported by Sky News |
| Police received 120 reports from the public through an online portal. | Not reported by BBC News | Not reported by BBC One | Not reported by Channel 4 | Not reported by ITV | Reported by Sky News |
Monday 13 July 2026
| Claim |  | | |  | |  | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reported by a few · 2–5 channels | ||||||||
| A murder investigation was launched and a 26-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder. | Reported by Channel 5 | Not reported by BBC News | Not reported by BBC One | Not reported by BBC Two | Reported by GB News | Reported by ITV | Reported by Sky News | |
| Ann Widdecombe was found dead at her home in Haytor, Devon, on Thursday with serious injuries. | Not reported by Channel 5 | Reported by BBC News | Not reported by BBC One | Not reported by BBC Two | Not reported by Channel 4 | Not reported by GB News | Not reported by ITV | Reported by Sky News |
| A 28-year-old man was arrested on Saturday in Rotherham, South Yorkshire. | Not reported by Channel 5 | Reported by BBC News | Not reported by BBC One | Not reported by BBC Two | Not reported by Channel 4 | Not reported by GB News | Not reported by ITV | Reported by Sky News |
| Police stated they are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident. | Not reported by Channel 5 | Reported by BBC News | Not reported by BBC One | Not reported by BBC Two | Not reported by Channel 4 | Not reported by GB News | Not reported by ITV | Reported by Sky News |
| Police said there is no evidence of a political motive. | Not reported by Channel 5 | Reported by BBC News | Not reported by BBC One | Not reported by BBC Two | Not reported by Channel 4 | Not reported by GB News | Not reported by ITV | Reported by Sky News |
| The suspect was seen leaving a property with a wooden pole or stick, according to reports. | Not reported by Channel 5 | Reported by BBC News | Not reported by BBC One | Not reported by BBC Two | Not reported by Channel 4 | Not reported by GB News | Not reported by ITV | Reported by Sky News |
| The distance from Devon to Rotherham was reported as more than 200 miles by Sky News and more than 260 miles by BBC News. | Not reported by Channel 5 | Reported by BBC News | Not reported by BBC One | Not reported by BBC Two | Not reported by Channel 4 | Not reported by GB News | Not reported by ITV | Reported by Sky News |
| The Home Secretary offered Nigel Farage a meeting with the chair of RAVEC. | Not reported by Channel 5 | Not reported by BBC News | Reported by BBC One | Not reported by BBC Two | Not reported by Channel 4 | Not reported by GB News | Not reported by ITV | Reported by Sky News |
| Nigel Farage accepted the Home Secretary's offer of a meeting with RAVEC. | Not reported by Channel 5 | Not reported by BBC News | Not reported by BBC One | Reported by GB News | Not reported by ITV | Not reported by Sky News | ||
| Only on one channel | ||||||||
| Police believe the attack occurred on Wednesday 8 July, the day before her body was found. | Reported by Channel 5 | Not reported by BBC News | Not reported by BBC One | Not reported by BBC Two | Not reported by Channel 4 | Not reported by GB News | Not reported by ITV | Not reported by Sky News |
| CCTV footage shows police arriving at a house in Rotherham to make the arrest. | Not reported by Channel 5 | Not reported by BBC News | Not reported by BBC One | Not reported by BBC Two | Not reported by Channel 4 | Not reported by GB News | Not reported by ITV | Reported by Sky News |
| A neighbour described seeing police running up a pathway and pulling a man out of his house. | Not reported by Channel 5 | Reported by BBC News | Not reported by BBC One | Not reported by BBC Two | Not reported by Channel 4 | Not reported by GB News | Not reported by ITV | Not reported by Sky News |
| The suspect has been brought to Exeter for questioning. | Not reported by Channel 5 | Reported by BBC News | Not reported by BBC One | Not reported by BBC Two | Not reported by Channel 4 | Not reported by GB News | Not reported by ITV | Not reported by Sky News |
| Police extended the cordon at the crime scene in Devon by about a kilometre. | Not reported by Channel 5 | Not reported by BBC News | Not reported by BBC One | Not reported by BBC Two | Not reported by Channel 4 | Not reported by GB News | Not reported by ITV | Reported by Sky News |
| A counter-terrorism policing unit in the North East has been involved, and mutual aid from other forces has been initiated. | Not reported by Channel 5 | Not reported by BBC News | Not reported by BBC One | Not reported by BBC Two | Not reported by Channel 4 | Not reported by GB News | Not reported by ITV | Reported by Sky News |
| A 28-year-old man from Rotherham was re-arrested on suspicion of terrorism offences. | Not reported by Channel 5 | Not reported by BBC News | Not reported by BBC Two | Not reported by Channel 4 | Not reported by GB News | Not reported by ITV | Not reported by Sky News | |
| Police are still trying to access all of the suspect's devices to determine his motivation. | Not reported by Channel 5 | Not reported by BBC News | Not reported by BBC One | Not reported by BBC Two | Not reported by Channel 4 | Not reported by GB News | Reported by ITV | Not reported by Sky News |
| Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice said he had pressed his panic button in December due to a security incident. | Not reported by Channel 5 | Not reported by BBC News | Not reported by BBC One | Not reported by Channel 4 | Not reported by GB News | Not reported by ITV | Not reported by Sky News | |
Tuesday 14 July 2026
| Claim | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Widely reported · 6 or more of 8 channels | ||||||||
| A 28-year-old man from Rotherham was re-arrested on suspicion of terrorism offences. | Reported by Channel 5 | Reported by BBC News | Reported by BBC One | Reported by BBC Two | Reported by Channel 4 | Reported by GB News | Reported by ITV | |
| Counter-terrorism police are leading the investigation. | Reported by Channel 5 | Reported by BBC Two | Reported by Channel 4 | Reported by GB News | Reported by ITV | |||
| Reported by a few · 2–5 channels | ||||||||
| A murder investigation was launched and a 26-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder. | Not reported by Channel 5 | Not reported by BBC News | Reported by BBC One | Not reported by BBC Two | Not reported by Channel 4 | Not reported by GB News | Reported by ITV | Not reported by Sky News |
| Nigel Farage accepted the Home Secretary's offer of a meeting with RAVEC. | Not reported by Channel 5 | Not reported by BBC One | Reported by BBC Two | Not reported by Channel 4 | Reported by GB News | Not reported by ITV | Reported by Sky News | |
| Ann Widdecombe died and a murder investigation was launched. | Not reported by Channel 5 | Reported by BBC News | Not reported by BBC One | Not reported by BBC Two | Not reported by Channel 4 | Not reported by GB News | Not reported by ITV | Reported by Sky News |
| Police said it was a targeted attack. | Reported by Channel 5 | Not reported by BBC News | Not reported by BBC One | Not reported by BBC Two | Not reported by GB News | Not reported by ITV | Not reported by Sky News | |
| Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said she will review security guidance for former and current MPs. | Not reported by Channel 5 | Reported by BBC News | Not reported by BBC One | Not reported by BBC Two | Not reported by Channel 4 | Not reported by GB News | Not reported by ITV | Reported by Sky News |
| Only on one channel | ||||||||
| Police cautioned against speculating on motive and said there is no direct evidence of motive yet. | Not reported by Channel 5 | Not reported by BBC News | Not reported by BBC One | Not reported by BBC Two | Not reported by Channel 4 | Not reported by GB News | Not reported by ITV | Reported by Sky News |
| Reform UK rejected an offer for a state-funded bodyguard and driver for Nigel Farage last year because it did not meet his requirements. | Not reported by Channel 5 | Reported by BBC News | Not reported by BBC One | Not reported by BBC Two | Not reported by Channel 4 | Not reported by GB News | Not reported by ITV | Not reported by Sky News |
| Reform's deputy leader called for uniformed officers outside parliamentary gates and said security requests for speaking events had been denied. | Not reported by Channel 5 | Reported by BBC News | Not reported by BBC One | Not reported by BBC Two | Not reported by Channel 4 | Not reported by GB News | Not reported by ITV | Not reported by Sky News |
| Lucy Rigby told Sky News she thought twice about standing for Parliament due to safety concerns. | Not reported by Channel 5 | Not reported by BBC News | Not reported by BBC One | Not reported by BBC Two | Not reported by Channel 4 | Not reported by GB News | Not reported by ITV | Reported by Sky News |
| Lucy Rigby told BBC Breakfast that security for MPs has increased but there is an increasing climate of abuse and intimidation, including via social media. | Not reported by Channel 5 | Reported by BBC News | Not reported by BBC One | Not reported by BBC Two | Not reported by Channel 4 | Not reported by GB News | Not reported by ITV | Not reported by Sky News |
| Brendan Cox told Sky News that things have got worse since his wife's death and cited online toxicity as a driver of violence. | Not reported by Channel 5 | Not reported by BBC News | Not reported by BBC One | Not reported by BBC Two | Not reported by Channel 4 | Not reported by GB News | Not reported by ITV | Reported by Sky News |
| Police believe Ann Widdecombe was attacked inside her home just after midday on Wednesday after missing a call with a journalist. | Not reported by Channel 5 | Reported by BBC News | Not reported by BBC One | Not reported by BBC Two | Not reported by Channel 4 | Not reported by GB News | Not reported by ITV | Not reported by Sky News |
| Police were called to Ann Widdecombe's home on Thursday, a murder investigation was announced on Friday, and a man was arrested near Newton Abbot on Friday evening before being released. | Not reported by Channel 5 | Reported by BBC News | Not reported by BBC One | Not reported by BBC Two | Not reported by Channel 4 | Not reported by GB News | Not reported by ITV | Not reported by Sky News |
| A 28-year-old man was arrested on Saturday night in Rotherham on suspicion of murder. | Not reported by Channel 5 | Reported by BBC News | Not reported by BBC One | Not reported by BBC Two | Not reported by Channel 4 | Not reported by GB News | Not reported by ITV | Not reported by Sky News |
Monday 20 July 2026
| Claim | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Widely reported · 6 or more of 8 channels | ||||||||
| Anne Widdicombe died at the age of 78. | Reported by Channel 5 | Reported by BBC News | Not reported by BBC Two | Reported by Channel 4 | Not reported by GB News | Reported by Sky News | ||
| A murder investigation was launched and a 26-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder. | Reported by Channel 5 | Reported by BBC News | Reported by BBC Two | Reported by Channel 4 | Reported by Sky News | |||
| Counter-terrorism police are leading the investigation. | Reported by Channel 5 | Reported by BBC News | Reported by BBC One | Reported by BBC Two | Reported by Channel 4 | Reported by GB News | Reported by ITV | Reported by Sky News |
| Reported by a few · 2–5 channels | ||||||||
| Police said it was a targeted attack. | Reported by Channel 5 | Not reported by BBC News | Reported by BBC One | Not reported by BBC Two | Reported by Channel 4 | Reported by GB News | Reported by ITV | Not reported by Sky News |
| The CPS stated that inquiries into motives are ongoing, including a possible political or terrorist connection. | Not reported by Channel 5 | Not reported by BBC News | Not reported by BBC Two | Not reported by Channel 4 | Not reported by ITV | Not reported by Sky News | ||
| Kerry is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates Court on 21 July 2026. | Not reported by Channel 5 | Not reported by BBC News | Reported by BBC One | Not reported by BBC Two | Not reported by Channel 4 | Not reported by Sky News | ||
| The Crown Prosecution Service announced the charge, with Chief Crown Prosecutor Frank Ferguson making the statement. | Not reported by Channel 5 | Not reported by BBC News | Reported by BBC One | Not reported by BBC Two | Not reported by Channel 4 | Reported by GB News | Reported by ITV | Reported by Sky News |
| Only on one channel | ||||||||
| The incident was not being treated as terrorism and there was no indication it was politically motivated. | Not reported by Channel 5 | Not reported by BBC News | Not reported by BBC One | Not reported by BBC Two | Not reported by Channel 4 | Not reported by GB News | Not reported by ITV | Reported by Sky News |
| Anne Widdicombe was due to appear on Channel 5 on Wednesday but did not show up. | Reported by Channel 5 | Not reported by BBC News | Not reported by BBC One | Not reported by BBC Two | Not reported by Channel 4 | Not reported by GB News | Not reported by ITV | Not reported by Sky News |
| Police believe the attack occurred on Wednesday 8 July, the day before her body was found. | Not reported by Channel 5 | Not reported by BBC News | Not reported by BBC One | Not reported by BBC Two | Reported by Channel 4 | Not reported by GB News | Not reported by ITV | Not reported by Sky News |
| A 28-year-old man from Rotherham was re-arrested on suspicion of terrorism offences. | Not reported by Channel 5 | Not reported by BBC News | Not reported by BBC One | Not reported by BBC Two | Reported by Channel 4 | Not reported by GB News | Not reported by ITV | Not reported by Sky News |
| The Home Secretary offered Nigel Farage a meeting with the chair of RAVEC. | Not reported by Channel 5 | Not reported by BBC News | Not reported by BBC One | Reported by BBC Two | Not reported by Channel 4 | Not reported by GB News | Not reported by ITV | Not reported by Sky News |
| Prosecutors said Kerry was in the house for about two minutes. | Not reported by Channel 5 | Reported by BBC News | Not reported by BBC One | Not reported by BBC Two | Not reported by Channel 4 | Not reported by GB News | Not reported by ITV | Not reported by Sky News |
| The victim had sustained serious injuries. | Not reported by Channel 5 | Not reported by BBC News | Not reported by BBC One | Reported by BBC Two | Not reported by Channel 4 | Not reported by GB News | Not reported by ITV | Not reported by Sky News |
Tuesday 21 July 2026
| Claim | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Widely reported · 6 or more of 8 channels | ||||||||
| Anne Widdicombe died at the age of 78. | Not reported by BBC Two | Reported by Channel 4 | Not reported by GB News | Reported by ITV | Reported by Sky News | |||
| A murder investigation was launched and a 26-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder. | Reported by Channel 5 | Reported by BBC News | Reported by BBC One | Reported by BBC Two | Reported by Channel 4 | Reported by GB News | Reported by Sky News | |
| Counter-terrorism police are leading the investigation. | Reported by Channel 5 | Not reported by BBC News | Reported by BBC One | Reported by BBC Two | Reported by Channel 4 | Reported by GB News | Reported by ITV | Reported by Sky News |
| Reported by a few · 2–5 channels | ||||||||
| The incident was not being treated as terrorism and there was no indication it was politically motivated. | Not reported by Channel 5 | Not reported by BBC News | Not reported by BBC One | Not reported by BBC Two | Not reported by Channel 4 | Reported by GB News | Not reported by ITV | Reported by Sky News |
| A 28-year-old man from Rotherham was re-arrested on suspicion of terrorism offences. | Not reported by Channel 5 | Not reported by BBC News | Not reported by BBC One | Not reported by BBC Two | Reported by Channel 4 | Not reported by GB News | Not reported by ITV | Reported by Sky News |
| The Home Secretary offered Nigel Farage a meeting with the chair of RAVEC. | Not reported by Channel 5 | Not reported by BBC News | Not reported by BBC One | Reported by BBC Two | Not reported by Channel 4 | Not reported by GB News | Reported by ITV | Not reported by Sky News |
| Police said it was a targeted attack. | Reported by Channel 5 | Not reported by BBC News | Reported by BBC One | Not reported by BBC Two | Reported by Channel 4 | Reported by GB News | Reported by ITV | Not reported by Sky News |
| Kerry is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates Court on 21 July 2026. | Not reported by Channel 5 | Reported by BBC News | Not reported by BBC One | Not reported by BBC Two | Not reported by Channel 4 | Not reported by GB News | Reported by Sky News | |
| The Crown Prosecution Service announced the charge, with Chief Crown Prosecutor Frank Ferguson making the statement. | Not reported by Channel 5 | Not reported by BBC News | Reported by BBC One | Not reported by BBC Two | Not reported by Channel 4 | Reported by GB News | Reported by ITV | |
| An inquest into Ann Widdecombe's death has been opened but the cause has not yet been established. | Not reported by Channel 5 | Not reported by BBC News | Reported by BBC One | Not reported by BBC Two | Not reported by Channel 4 | Not reported by GB News | Not reported by Sky News | |
| Ann Widdecombe was a former Conservative MP and minister, later a Brexit Party MEP and Reform UK spokesperson. | Not reported by Channel 5 | Reported by BBC News | Reported by BBC One | Not reported by BBC Two | Not reported by Channel 4 | Not reported by GB News | Reported by ITV | Reported by Sky News |
| Only on one channel | ||||||||
| Anne Widdicombe was due to appear on Channel 5 on Wednesday but did not show up. | Reported by Channel 5 | Not reported by BBC News | Not reported by BBC One | Not reported by BBC Two | Not reported by Channel 4 | Not reported by GB News | Not reported by ITV | Not reported by Sky News |
| Police believe the attack occurred on Wednesday 8 July, the day before her body was found. | Not reported by Channel 5 | Not reported by BBC News | Not reported by BBC One | Not reported by BBC Two | Reported by Channel 4 | Not reported by GB News | Not reported by ITV | Not reported by Sky News |
| Police are searching for a white male suspect and say there is no risk to the public. | Reported by Channel 5 | Not reported by BBC News | Not reported by BBC One | Not reported by BBC Two | Not reported by Channel 4 | Not reported by GB News | Not reported by ITV | Not reported by Sky News |
| The suspect may have targeted other Reform MPs. | Not reported by Channel 5 | Not reported by BBC News | Not reported by BBC One | Not reported by BBC Two | Not reported by Channel 4 | Reported by GB News | Not reported by ITV | Not reported by Sky News |
| The Home Secretary will review security guidance for MPs and former MPs. | Not reported by Channel 5 | Reported by BBC News | Not reported by BBC One | Not reported by BBC Two | Not reported by Channel 4 | Not reported by GB News | Not reported by ITV | Not reported by Sky News |
| Prosecutors said Kerry took a wallet from Widdecombe's handbag after tipping her out of her chair. | Not reported by Channel 5 | Reported by BBC News | Not reported by BBC One | Not reported by BBC Two | Not reported by Channel 4 | Not reported by GB News | Not reported by ITV | Not reported by Sky News |
| Prosecutors said Kerry was in the house for about two minutes. | Not reported by Channel 5 | Not reported by BBC One | Not reported by BBC Two | Not reported by Channel 4 | Not reported by GB News | Not reported by ITV | Not reported by Sky News | |
| The provisional cause of death was blunt force injury to the head. | Not reported by Channel 5 | Not reported by BBC One | Not reported by BBC Two | Not reported by Channel 4 | Not reported by GB News | Not reported by ITV | Not reported by Sky News | |
| Kerry was remanded in custody to appear at the Old Bailey. | Not reported by Channel 5 | Reported by BBC News | Not reported by BBC One | Not reported by BBC Two | Not reported by Channel 4 | Not reported by GB News | Not reported by ITV | Not reported by Sky News |
| Political tributes have been paid to Ann Widdecombe, and the case has sparked discussion about MP safety. | Not reported by Channel 5 | Not reported by BBC News | Not reported by BBC One | Not reported by BBC Two | Not reported by Channel 4 | Not reported by GB News | Not reported by ITV | Reported by Sky News |
| Prime Minister Andy Burnham has called for an inquiry into MP safety. | Not reported by Channel 5 | Not reported by BBC News | Not reported by BBC One | Not reported by BBC Two | Not reported by Channel 4 | Not reported by GB News | Not reported by ITV | Reported by Sky News |
| Ann Widdecombe appeared on Strictly Come Dancing and other TV shows. | Not reported by Channel 5 | Not reported by BBC News | Not reported by BBC One | Not reported by BBC Two | Not reported by Channel 4 | Not reported by GB News | Not reported by ITV | Reported by Sky News |
| The victim had sustained serious injuries. | Not reported by Channel 5 | Not reported by BBC News | Not reported by BBC One | Reported by BBC Two | Not reported by Channel 4 | Not reported by GB News | Not reported by ITV | Not reported by Sky News |
Thursday 23 July 2026
| Claim | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reported by a few · 2–5 channels | ||||||||
| Anne Widdicombe died at the age of 78. | Reported by Channel 5 | Reported by BBC News | Not reported by BBC Two | Not reported by Channel 4 | Not reported by GB News | Reported by ITV | Not reported by Sky News | |
| A murder investigation was launched and a 26-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder. | Not reported by Channel 5 | Reported by BBC News | Not reported by BBC One | Not reported by BBC Two | Not reported by Channel 4 | Not reported by GB News | Reported by ITV | Reported by Sky News |
| The incident was not being treated as terrorism and there was no indication it was politically motivated. | Not reported by Channel 5 | Not reported by BBC News | Reported by BBC One | Not reported by BBC Two | Not reported by Channel 4 | Not reported by GB News | Not reported by ITV | Reported by Sky News |
| A 28-year-old man from Rotherham was re-arrested on suspicion of terrorism offences. | Not reported by Channel 5 | Not reported by BBC News | Not reported by BBC One | Reported by BBC Two | Reported by Channel 4 | Reported by GB News | Not reported by ITV | Not reported by Sky News |
| Counter-terrorism police are leading the investigation. | Not reported by Channel 5 | Not reported by BBC News | Not reported by BBC One | Not reported by BBC Two | Not reported by Channel 4 | Reported by GB News | Reported by ITV | Not reported by Sky News |
| Police said it was a targeted attack. | Not reported by Channel 5 | Not reported by BBC News | Not reported by BBC One | Reported by BBC Two | Not reported by Channel 4 | Reported by GB News | Not reported by ITV | Not reported by Sky News |
| The Crown Prosecution Service announced the charge, with Chief Crown Prosecutor Frank Ferguson making the statement. | Not reported by Channel 5 | Not reported by BBC News | Not reported by BBC Two | Not reported by Channel 4 | Not reported by GB News | Reported by ITV | Not reported by Sky News | |
| The suspect was released without charge. | Not reported by Channel 5 | Not reported by BBC News | Reported by BBC One | Not reported by BBC Two | Reported by Channel 4 | Not reported by GB News | Not reported by ITV | Reported by Sky News |
| Ann Widdecombe's family announced a public memorial will be held later this year. | Not reported by Channel 5 | Not reported by BBC News | Not reported by BBC Two | Not reported by Channel 4 | Not reported by GB News | Reported by ITV | Not reported by Sky News | |
| Only on one channel | ||||||||
| Anne Widdicombe was due to appear on Channel 5 on Wednesday but did not show up. | Reported by Channel 5 | Not reported by BBC News | Not reported by BBC One | Not reported by BBC Two | Not reported by Channel 4 | Not reported by GB News | Not reported by ITV | Not reported by Sky News |
| Police believe the attack occurred on Wednesday 8 July, the day before her body was found. | Not reported by Channel 5 | Not reported by BBC News | Not reported by BBC One | Not reported by BBC Two | Reported by Channel 4 | Not reported by GB News | Not reported by ITV | Not reported by Sky News |
| The attack was captured on a camera in the kitchen. | Reported by Channel 5 | Not reported by BBC News | Not reported by BBC One | Not reported by BBC Two | Not reported by Channel 4 | Not reported by GB News | Not reported by ITV | Not reported by Sky News |
| A private funeral will take place in the coming weeks before the public memorial. | Not reported by Channel 5 | Not reported by BBC News | Not reported by BBC One | Not reported by BBC Two | Not reported by Channel 4 | Not reported by GB News | Reported by ITV | Not reported by Sky News |
Saturday 8 August 2026
| Claim | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Widely reported · 5 or more of 6 channels | ||||||
| An attempted burglary occurred at Ann Widdecombe's London property. | Not reported by Channel 5 | Reported by BBC One | Reported by GB News | Reported by ITV | Reported by Sky News | |
| Reported by a few · 2–4 channels | ||||||
| Counter-terrorism police reopened an investigation into an attempted burglary linked to Ann Widdecombe's death. | Not reported by Channel 5 | Reported by BBC One | Not reported by GB News | Not reported by ITV | Reported by Sky News | |
| Joshua Kerry was charged with Ann Widdecombe's murder; a provisional trial date was set for June next year. | Not reported by Channel 5 | Not reported by BBC News | Reported by BBC One | Not reported by GB News | Reported by ITV | Reported by Sky News |
| A relevant line of inquiry was not identified or pursued during the original investigation. | Not reported by Channel 5 | Not reported by BBC One | Reported by GB News | Not reported by ITV | Not reported by Sky News | |
| The handling of the case was referred to the IOPC. | Not reported by Channel 5 | Reported by BBC News | Not reported by GB News | Not reported by ITV | Not reported by Sky News | |
| Ann Widdecombe was found dead with serious head injuries, having been hit on the head 21 times with a hammer. | Not reported by Channel 5 | Reported by BBC One | Not reported by GB News | Not reported by ITV | Reported by Sky News | |
| The attempted burglary investigation was closed. | Not reported by Channel 5 | Not reported by BBC News | Reported by BBC One | Reported by GB News | Not reported by ITV | Not reported by Sky News |
| A property was linked to Nigel Farage. | Not reported by GB News | Not reported by ITV | ||||
| Only on one channel | ||||||
| A new line of inquiry was identified in the reopened attempted burglary investigation. | Not reported by Channel 5 | Not reported by BBC News | Not reported by BBC One | Not reported by GB News | Not reported by ITV | |
| The IOPC is investigating a single counter-terrorism police staff member. | Not reported by Channel 5 | Not reported by BBC News | Not reported by BBC One | Not reported by GB News | Reported by ITV | Not reported by Sky News |
| No arrests were made in the original burglary investigation. | Not reported by Channel 5 | Not reported by BBC News | Not reported by BBC One | Not reported by GB News | Not reported by ITV | |
| Widdecombe was a former Conservative minister, MEP, and Reform UK spokeswoman. | Not reported by Channel 5 | Not reported by BBC News | Not reported by BBC One | Not reported by GB News | Not reported by ITV | Reported by Sky News |
| Police have not confirmed a link to Nigel Farage. | Not reported by BBC News | Not reported by BBC One | Not reported by GB News | Not reported by ITV | Not reported by Sky News | |
Friday 2 October 2026
| Claim | | | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reported by all 3 channels | |||
| Joshua Kerry, 28, from Rotherham, was charged with one count of preparation of terrorist acts. | Reported by BBC One | Reported by GB News | Reported by Sky News |
| The terror charge includes an alleged plot against Reform UK leader Nigel Farage. | Reported by BBC One | Reported by GB News | Reported by Sky News |
| The alleged activity period for the terror charge was reported as May 2024 to July 2026, with Sky News and GB News specifying 31 May 2024 to 8 July 2026. | Reported by BBC One | Reported by GB News | Reported by Sky News |
| Kerry had already been charged with the murder of Ann Widdecombe. | Reported by BBC One | Reported by GB News | Reported by Sky News |
| Reported by a few · 2 channels | |||
| Ann Widdecombe was found dead at her home on Dartmoor. | Reported by BBC One | Not reported by GB News | Reported by Sky News |
| Kerry is due to appear in court on Wednesday, with Sky News specifying Westminster Magistrates Court. | Reported by BBC One | Not reported by GB News | Reported by Sky News |
| Counter-terrorism police described a hugely intensive and complex investigation, saying the charge resulted from work across the counter-terrorism policing network. | Not reported by BBC One | Reported by GB News | Reported by Sky News |
| Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood described the new charges as extremely concerning and expressed sympathy for Nigel Farage and his family. | Reported by BBC One | Reported by GB News | Not reported by Sky News |
| Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said she would address protections for people in public life when Parliament resumes. | Reported by BBC One | Reported by GB News | Not reported by Sky News |
| Only on one channel | |||
| Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said an attack on anyone in politics is an attack on us all. | Reported by BBC One | Not reported by GB News | Not reported by Sky News |
| A Reform spokesman said the case showed why Nigel Farage needed 5 million pounds to protect his security for life. | Reported by BBC One | Not reported by GB News | Not reported by Sky News |
| Nigel Farage said authorities had long failed to take his security seriously enough and that he had been the most attacked and endangered politician in Britain for over a decade. | Reported by BBC One | Not reported by GB News | Not reported by Sky News |
| Nigel Farage said he would need protection until the day he died. | Reported by BBC One | Not reported by GB News | Not reported by Sky News |
| BBC ONE West reported that a re-examination of evidence, including CCTV, followed an incident described as an attempted burglary at Farage's home in April 2025 that was reported to police at the time. | Reported by BBC One | Not reported by GB News | Not reported by Sky News |
| BBC ONE West reported that a member of counter-terrorism policing staff was referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct. | Reported by BBC One | Not reported by GB News | Not reported by Sky News |
| BBC ONE West reported the case raised the possibility that Ann Widdecombe's murder could have been prevented. | Reported by BBC One | Not reported by GB News | Not reported by Sky News |
| BBC ONE West reported the case renewed questions about whether enough is being done to protect people in public life, noting the murders of Jo Cox and Sir David Amess. | Reported by BBC One | Not reported by GB News | Not reported by Sky News |
Saturday 3 October 2026
| Claim | | | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reported by a few · 2 channels | |||
| Joshua Kerry, 28, from Rotherham, faces a charge of preparation of terrorist acts alongside an existing murder charge. | Not reported by BBC News | Reported by BBC One | Reported by Sky News |
| The terrorism charge involves alleged activity including targeting Reform UK leader Nigel Farage. | Not reported by BBC News | Reported by BBC One | Reported by Sky News |
| The alleged activity period for the terrorism charge was between May 2024 and July 2026. | Not reported by BBC News | Reported by BBC One | Reported by Sky News |
| Joshua Kerry is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates Court on Wednesday. | Not reported by BBC News | Reported by BBC One | Reported by Sky News |
| Ann Widdecombe was found dead at her home on Dartmoor in July. | Not reported by BBC News | Reported by BBC One | Reported by Sky News |
| The Crown Prosecution Service said prosecutors worked closely with police to establish sufficient evidence and would continue to do so as the investigation progressed. | Not reported by BBC News | Reported by BBC One | Reported by Sky News |
| Only on one channel | |||
| The Home Secretary said the case raised serious questions about the security of people in public life and promised an update after Parliament returns. | Not reported by BBC News | Reported by BBC One | Not reported by Sky News |
| Ann Widdecombe was a former Conservative government minister and a Reform UK spokeswoman at the time of her death. | Not reported by BBC News | Reported by BBC One | Not reported by Sky News |
| Ann Widdecombe was 78 years old. | Not reported by BBC News | Reported by BBC One | Not reported by Sky News |
| Ann Widdecombe had sustained serious injuries. | Not reported by BBC News | Reported by BBC One | Not reported by Sky News |
| Counter Terrorism Policing senior national coordinator Vicki Evans described the investigation as intensive and complex and said the charge resulted from tireless work across the network. | Not reported by BBC News | Not reported by BBC One | Reported by Sky News |
| Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the new charges were extremely concerning, expressed sympathy with Nigel Farage and his family, and said an attack on anyone in politics is an attack on all. | Not reported by BBC News | Reported by BBC One | Not reported by Sky News |
| Nigel Farage said authorities had long failed to take his security seriously enough, that he was the most attacked and endangered politician in Britain for over a decade, and that he would need protection for life. | Not reported by BBC News | Reported by BBC One | Not reported by Sky News |
| A Reform spokesman said Nigel Farage needed £5 million to protect his security for life. | Not reported by BBC News | Reported by BBC One | Not reported by Sky News |
| Police have increasingly focused on monitoring and managing MPs' security in recent years, particularly after the murders of Jo Cox and Sir David Amess. | Not reported by BBC News | Reported by BBC One | Not reported by Sky News |
Friday 9 October 2026
| Claim | | |
|---|---|---|
| Reported by all 2 channels | ||
| Joshua Kerry is accused of murdering Ann Widdecombe by striking her 21 times with a hammer after driving from Rotherham to her Devon home. | Reported by BBC One | Reported by Sky News |
| Joshua Kerry faces terrorism preparation charges involving online reconnaissance and an April 2025 attempt to break into Nigel Farage's South London home. | Reported by BBC One | Reported by Sky News |
| Joshua Kerry appeared at the Old Bailey by video link from Belmarsh Prison for an administrative hearing and confirmed his identity. | Reported by BBC One | Reported by Sky News |
| The court addressed joining the murder and terrorism charges for a single trial, with a trial date set for 8 June 2027. | Reported by BBC One | Reported by Sky News |
| Only on one channel | ||
| Prosecutors said Kerry's actions were politically and ideologically motivated and the separate charges were a single course of conduct. | Not reported by BBC One | Reported by Sky News |
This is a cross-channel consensus summary, not an objective account. Consensus can be uniformly wrong, or omit what only one channel covered.
Timeline
Where this topic appeared. Cells show coverage time and are darker when there was more coverage.
| Date | Channel 5 | BBC News | BBC One | BBC Two | Channel 4 | GB News | ITV | Sky News |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Friday 9 October 2026 | — | — | 5m 3s 4.9% | — | — | — | — | 2m 12s 2.0% |
| Wednesday 7 October 2026 | 1m 55s 5.5% | — | 5m 6s 5.2% | — | — | — | — | — |
| Saturday 3 October 2026 | — | 4m 38s 3.6% | — | — | — | — | — | 2m 15s 2.3% |
| Friday 2 October 2026 | — | — | 3m 55s 4.0% | — | — | 1m 47s 2.2% | — | 2m 13s 2.3% |
| Saturday 8 August 2026 | 27s 21.8% | — | 5m 43s 15.9% | — | — | — | 2m 45s 13.2% | 2m 13s 4.7% |
| Friday 7 August 2026 | — | — | 1m 27s 1.4% | — | — | — | 2m 8s 4.8% | — |
| Thursday 23 July 2026 | — | — | 23s 0.4% | — | — | — | 20s 0.5% | — |
| Wednesday 22 July 2026 | — | 1m 54s 4.1% | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Tuesday 21 July 2026 | 4m 40s 14.3% | 4m 3s 4.4% | 10m 41s 11.4% | — | 1m 59s 3.9% | 1m 26s 2.1% | 3m 7s 4.7% | 2m 14s 4.1% |
| Monday 20 July 2026 | — | — | 3m 26s 3.2% | — | — | 1m 16s 1.2% | 18s 0.4% | — |
| Sunday 19 July 2026 | — | — | 1m 29s 2.6% | — | — | — | — | — |
| Tuesday 14 July 2026 | 10m 33s 25.2% | 7m 4s 14.6% | 9m 19s 9.9% | — | 3m 9s 6.4% | 21m 40s 33.5% | 38s 1.6% | 10m 50s 23.2% |
| Monday 13 July 2026 | 6m 31s 17.0% | 4m 47s 10.7% | 15m 7s 16.3% | 17m 3s 59.2% | 7m 10s 14.6% | 10m 28s 13.5% | 9m 58s 13.7% | 35m 4s 62.3% |
| Sunday 12 July 2026 | — | 5m 10.4% | 4m 25s 14.9% | — | 4m 6s 18.3% | — | 4m 38s 15.3% | 6m 30s 13.5% |