Andy Burnham has been told to apologise for his comments regarding the murder of Ann Widdecombe, reports BritPanorama.
The Prime Minister faced criticism after stating that an “individual” was “responsible for the murder” of Miss Widdecombe, despite the legal processes still being in their early stages.
His remarks were made during Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday, concerning the former Conservative minister and Reform UK’s justice spokeswoman.
Shadow Commons leader Jesse Norman labelled Mr Burnham’s statements a “breach of the presumption of innocence,” asserting that such comments undermine the foundational legal principle of a fair trial.
In a point of order, Jesse Norman addressed MPs: “A man is innocent until proven guilty. The presumption of innocence goes back to Magna Carta. It applies without exception. But the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom has just publicly spoken as though a man awaiting trial has already been convicted of murder.”
He continued, “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. The Prime Minister needs to apologise.”
Deputy Speaker Nusrat Ghani responded, stating that the content of ministers’ speeches and answers is not a matter for the chair, but noted that the Treasury frontbench would have heard the point of order.
Joshua Kerry, 28, is currently in custody after being arrested on suspicion of murder on July 11, two days after Miss Widdecombe, 78, was discovered dead at her property in Haytor on Dartmoor, Devon.
A trial is set before a High Court judge on June 8 next year, with a plea and case management hearing scheduled for January 29.
Kerry, of Byrley Road, Rotherham, South Yorkshire, also faces charges related to a terror plot against Reform UK leader Nigel Farage.
Parliamentary privilege protects words spoken by MPs in the House of Commons. No 10 declined to comment on the controversy following Burnham’s remarks.
The sub judice rule prevents MPs from discussing matters pending adjudication in a court of law to avoid influencing the outcomes of those proceedings, according to the Commons Library.
Earlier, Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle granted a “limited waiver” for MPs to discuss the case, clarifying that while related crimes could be mentioned, specifics regarding the charges or speculation on guilt should not be addressed.
The episode highlights ongoing tensions surrounding the legal framework and public discourse, particularly in politically sensitive cases. Observers will note how these interactions influence the unfolding legal situation.
