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Burnham apologises after calling Ann Widdecombe murder suspect 'responsible for the murder' 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.
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.
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 issued a correction to Hansard and an apology after telling the Commons that an "individual" was "responsible for the murder" of Ann Widdecombe, even though the accused has yet to enter a plea or face trial. Joshua Kerry, 28, was charged with Widdecombe's murder in July but will not appear before a High Court judge until June next year. Conservatives accused the PM of breaching the sub judice rule and the legal presumption of innocence, and described his initial silence as "deeply disrespectful."

Widdecombe, 78, was discovered dead at her Dartmoor property in July; Kerry, of Rotherham, faces an additional charge of plotting a terror attack against Nigel Farage.

Shadow Commons leader Jesse Norman demanded Burnham "correct the record, withdraw the remark and apologise" — the PM's spokesman moved only after a day of sustained pressure.

Commons leader Sir Alan Campbell described Burnham as a PM of "authenticity and passion" — but acknowledged there is "no excuse for misspeaking in the House."

MoreDaily ExpressRed-faced Andy Burnham forced to apologise over Ann Widdecombe blunderBBC News - PoliticsBurnham asks for his Widdecombe remarks to be correctedThe TelegraphBurnham forced to apologise for Widdecombe ‘murder’ commentThe IndependentAndy Burnham ‘apologises’ for comments about Ann Widdecombe’s murder at PMQs
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