Andy Burnham apologises over PMQs comments about Ann Widdecombe case

Ann Widdecombe was found dead in her home in July (Picture: Lucy North/PA Wire) Andy Burnham has apologised after he appeared to breach the presumption of innocence in the court case dealing with Ann Widdecombe’s murder. Responding to Reform leader Nigel Farage at yesterday’s Prime Minister’s Questions, the PM referred to an ‘individual’ who was ‘responsible for the murder’ of the ex-Tory MP in July. However, the legal process remains in its early stages and no plea has yet been entered. Joshua Kerry, 28, was arrested on suspicion of murder on July 11 and a trial before a High Court judge is scheduled for June 8 next year. Last week, Kerry appeared in court again, facing a new allegation of preparing terrorist acts including against Farage. After his comment at PMQs, the Conservatives said Burnham had ‘publicly spoken as though a man awaiting trial has already been convicted of murder.’ Tory shadow Commons leader Jesse Norman said: ‘It’s directly contrary to the rule of law, it is a breach of the presumption of innocence, it is misleading to the House. ‘And in any other forum it would be a contempt of court, which could be used to suggest the defendant had been prejudged on the merits of a case.’ Andy Burnham made the gaffe during PMQs on Wednesday (Picture: Reuters) Words spoken by MPs within the House of Commons chamber are protected by parliamentary privilege. This means they have immunity from being found in contempt of court for anything said during proceedings in the House – a privilege that dates back to the 17th century. However, the self-imposed sub judice rule prevents MPs from referring to matters awaiting adjudication in a court of law within debates, questions and motions. Joshua Kerry appeared in court again last week (Picture: Elizabeth Cook/PA Wire) Today, House of Commons leader Sir Alan Campbell said: ‘The Prime Minister has acknowledged that he misspoke… ‘He said that he misspoke, he has apologised, and he has corrected the record. ‘There isn’t an excuse for mispeaking in the House, and I’m not trying to explain that away, but this Prime Minister is characterised by an authenticity and a passion in the way that he responds. ‘It’s not unusual either for prime ministers or for anybody else to speak in the House, as long as you correct the record, which he has done, then I think that should be put into perspective.’ Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at [email protected]. For more stories like this, check our news page.