Ann Widdecombe Laid to Rest at Buckfast Abbey; Farage Stays Away to Avoid Distraction

Former minister Ann Widdecombe was laid to rest at Buckfast Abbey on 12 August 2026 in a private requiem mass attended by about 100 mourners. Widdecombe, 78, died on 8 July after a hammer attack at her Haytor home; Joshua Kerry, 28, was charged with her murder. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage stayed away to avoid being a distraction, and is expected at a later public memorial.