Burnham apologises for treating Ann Widdecombe murder suspect as convicted at PMQs
Ann Widdecombe, whose Devon home was targeted in a suspected terrorist attack; Joshua Kerry, 28, also faces charges relating to a separate alleged terror plot targeting Reform leader Nigel Farage.Nigel Farage and Ann Widdecombe. Prime Minister Andy Burnham has apologised after telling MPs that a named individual was "responsible for the murder" of Widdecombe before any verdict was reached.
Andy Burnham has apologised and had the official Hansard record amended after telling MPs at Prime Minister's Questions that an "individual" was "responsible for the murder" of Ann Widdecombe — despite no plea having been entered and no verdict returned. Joshua Kerry, 28, faces a murder charge in connection with the death of the former Conservative minister, 78, whose body was found at her Dartmoor home in July; a High Court trial is set for June next year. Tory shadow Commons leader Jesse Norman accused Burnham of a "breach of the presumption of innocence" that would amount to contempt of court "in any other forum."
Kerry, of Rotherham, has also been charged with plotting a terror attack against Nigel Farage, adding a second major charge to the case.
Jesse Norman told MPs the Prime Minister had "spoken as though a man awaiting trial has already been convicted of murder," which he said stood in flat contradiction of the rule of law and Magna Carta.
Commons leader Sir Alan Campbell acknowledged there is "no excuse for misspeaking in the House" but maintained that Burnham's apology and the Hansard correction are enough to resolve the matter.
