Portrait of Ann Widdecombe put up in Parliament for MPs' return

A photograph of Ann Widdecombe, the former Conservative MP, has been displayed in Parliament to honor the late politician. The portrait, taken in 2010, was hung in Portcullis House, home to numerous MPs' offices, ahead of the return from the summer break. This act of remembrance comes as prosecutors charged Joshua Kerry, 28, with her murder.

Widdecombe was discovered with severe head injuries in her Devon residence, aged 78, after the summer recess. Her successor, Helen Grant, expressed her delight at the portrait's display, stating it marks the beginning of a lasting tribute to Widdecombe. Discussions are ongoing to establish a permanent memorial on the Parliamentary grounds.

Widdecombe, who represented Maidstone and The Weald for over two decades, passed away earlier this year. A memorial plaque to her was proposed during the Members' summer recess, similar to tributes for other deceased MPs like Jo Cox and Sir David Amess. Widdecombe's funeral was held at Buckfast Abbey in Devon, attended by about 100 family, friends, and colleagues.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage did not attend, but he plans to visit a public memorial later in the year. The family of Ann Widdecombe plans to unveil further details about the public memorial soon. Kerry is set to face trial for murder in June 2027. The exact cause of Widdecombe's death is still under investigation.