Suspect in Widdecombe Murder Charged with Plotting Terror Attack on Nigel Farage

Joshua Kerry, the man already facing murder charges for the death of former Conservative minister Ann Widdecombe, has been charged with preparing acts of terror against Reform UK leader Nigel Farage. Counter-terrorism police confirmed that Kerry, 28, was formally charged on Friday with one count of preparation of terrorist acts.

The charge covers alleged activity that took place between May 2024 and July 2026. It follows the discovery of Widdecombe, 78, dead at her home in Haytor, Devon, on July 9. She suffered serious injuries before being found dead.

Kerry, originally from Rotherham, was initially charged in July with the murder of Widdecombe, a former Conservative MP for Maidstone who later served as a spokeswoman for Reform UK. He is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday regarding the new terror-related charge.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood described the fresh charge as “extremely concerning” and expressed her profound sympathies toward Farage and his family. She emphasized the severity of targeting political figures, stating, “Let no one make any mistake: an attack on anyone in politics is an attack on us all.”

Mahmood added that the case raises significant questions about the safety of individuals in public life. She indicated that upon parliament’s return, she would provide updates on measures to strengthen protections for those serving in politics.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans of Counter Terrorism Policing described the charge as the result of a “hugely intensive and complex investigation.” She praised the dedicated team of detectives, analysts, and forensic experts who pursued multiple lines of enquiry to arrive at this serious charge.

Frank Ferguson, representing the Crown Prosecution Service’s Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division, stated that prosecutors worked closely with police to bring the charge and will continue their collaboration as the investigation proceeds.