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Ann Widdecombe portrait displayed in Parliament following her death

A photograph of the former Conservative minister and Reform UK spokeswoman has been installed in Portcullis House as discussions continue regarding a permanent memorial.

The short version

  • A portrait of former MP Ann Widdecombe was installed in Portcullis House on Tuesday ahead of MPs returning from summer recess.
  • Widdecombe died at age 78 last month after being found with severe head injuries at her Devon home.
  • Joshua Kerry, 28, has been charged with her murder, with a trial scheduled for June 2027.
  • Parliamentary authorities and MPs are discussing options for a permanent memorial on the parliamentary estate.

Key facts

  • A photograph taken in 2010 of former MP Ann Widdecombe was put up in Portcullis House on Tuesday.[BBC News]
  • Widdecombe, a former Conservative minister and Reform UK spokeswoman, died at age 78 after being found with serious head injuries at her home in Devon.[BBC News]
  • Joshua Kerry, 28, faces murder charges in connection with her death and is set to stand trial in June 2027.[BBC News]
  • MP Helen Grant has campaigned for a permanent memorial plaque for Widdecombe on the parliamentary estate, similar to tributes installed for Jo Cox and Sir David Amess.[BBC News]

What remains uncertain

  • The final design and placement of a permanent commemoration in Parliament remain under discussion among MPs and parliamentary authorities.[BBC News]

Sources