Portrait of Ann Widdecombe put up in Parliament for MPs' return

A portrait of Ann Widdecombe has been erected in Parliament to remember the former MP, who was found dead with serious head injuries last month.

The picture of the ex-Conservative minister was put up on Tuesday in Portcullis House, where many MPs' offices are located, in time for the return from summer recess next week.

It forms part of ongoing talks about a fitting memorial for the minister turned Reform UK spokeswoman, who died aged 78 after being found in her Devon home . Joshua Kerry, 28, has been charged with murder.

Helen Grant, Widdecombe's successor as MP for the area of Maidstone in Kent, said the portrait was "the start of a lasting tribute to Ann".

"I am delighted that the Speaker of the House of Commons has confirmed that this portrait of Ann Widdecombe will be on show in Parliament, following her tragic death earlier this year," Grant said.

Work is underway "to explore a more permanent commemoration on the Parliamentary estate", she added.

The chosen photograph was taken in 2010 in the Cloister Corridor of the Palace of Westminster.

It is understood the portrait will remain in the coming weeks, while discussions continue among MPs and parliamentary authorities about a permanent fixture.