The precise medical cause of former Conservative MP Ann Widdecombe's death remains undetermined, an inquest opening has heard. The 78-year-old politician was found unresponsive at her home in Devon on July 9 with visible injuries. Senior coroner Philip Spinney stated at Exeter Corner's Court that a post-mortem examination had been conducted, but the exact cause of death is yet to be established.

Joshua Kerry, 28, from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, has been charged with Widdecombe's murder. He appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court in relation to the charge. The inquest has been adjourned pending the conclusion of the criminal proceedings, according to Mr. Spinney, who serves as the senior coroner for Devon, Plymouth, and Torbay.

Widdecombe was discovered by an employee who conducted a welfare check after she became uncontactable. Emergency services were called to her Haytor, Devon residence, where she was pronounced dead at 12:20 BST on July 9. Kerry was initially arrested two days after her death on suspicion of murder.

He was later re-arrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation, or instigation of acts of terrorism. The ongoing investigation is being led by Counter Terrorism Policing South East, with support from Devon and Cornwall Police. The circumstances surrounding her death are therefore being examined from multiple angles, including both homicide and potential terrorism-related activities.

Ann Widdecombe's political career spanned several decades. She represented Maidstone in Kent as a Conservative Member of Parliament for 23 years and held ministerial positions under Prime Minister John Major in the 1990s. After leaving the House of Commons, she gained wider public recognition through television appearances.

She participated in the BBC's "Strictly Come Dancing" in 2010 and was a runner-up on "Celebrity Big Brother" eight years later. In more recent political endeavors, Widdecombe represented South West England as a Member of the European Parliament for the Brexit Party. She joined Reform UK as a party spokeswoman in 2023, continuing her public engagement in political discourse.

The opening of the inquest focused on establishing the preliminary facts of the case, including the discovery of Widdecombe's body and the subsequent criminal charges. The adjournment means further details regarding the cause of death will not be released until the legal processes related to the murder charge are completed.

Further information regarding the investigation into potential terrorism links is expected to emerge as Counter Terrorism Policing South East continues its work. The dual nature of the investigation highlights the complex and sensitive circumstances surrounding the former MP's death.