The former politician was found dead in her home earlier this month
Ann Widdecombe's death inquest has opened this morning with the coroner issuing an update on the cause of death of the former MP.
Ms Widdecombe was found dead in her Dartmoor home after becoming "uncontactable", which prompted a member of staff to check on her on July 9, the inquest heard.
Philip Spinney, the senior coroner for Devon, confirmed the "precise" cause of the ex-Conservative MP's death has yet to be confirmed.
A post-mortem examination has now taken place, but “at this stage the precise medical cause of death is yet to be established", Mr Spinney said before adjourning the inquiry.
A statement from Coroner's Officer Sarah Haworth said: “Concerns were raised that she was uncountable and an employee who was due at the home address was asked to conduct a welfare check.
“The post-mortem examination has taken place and at this stage of the process the precise medical cause of death has yet to be established."
Ms Widdecombe was pronounced dead at the scene at 12:20pm on July 9.
Mr Spinney has suspended the inquest until the conclusion of criminal proceedings.
He added: “It is plain that Miss Widdecombe was much loved and greatly missed.
“I'd like to offer my condolences to the family of Miss Widdecombe.”
A 28-year-old man, Joshua Kerry, has been charged with the murder of Ms Widdecombe.
He was first arrested on suspicion of murder on July 11, two days after the 78-year-old was found dead.
Kerry, from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, has appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court this morning.
On July 13, Kerry was additionally arrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.
Frank Ferguson, Chief Crown Prosecutor of the CPS Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division, said: "We have decided to prosecute Joshua Kerry for murder following a police investigation into the death of Ann Widdecombe in Haytor, Dartmoor.
"Police enquiries into the defendant's motives are ongoing, including a potential political or terrorist connection.
“Our prosecutors have worked closely with the police to establish that there is sufficient evidence to bring this case to court, and we will continue working with them as their investigation progresses."
He added: "We remind all concerned that proceedings against the defendant are active and he has the right to a fair trial. It is vital that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information which could in anyway prejudice these proceedings."
