Ann Widdecombe murder suspect charged with planning terror act against Nigel Farage

Terrorism Charge Filed Against Murder Suspect

The man accused of murdering Ann Widdecombe has been hit with a severe new charge. Counter-terrorism police announced that Joshua Kerry faces one count of preparation of terrorist acts, with allegations indicating the plots targeted individuals including Reform UK leader Nigel Farage.

The development marks a dramatic escalation in a high-profile criminal case handled by national security investigators. Counter Terrorism Policing confirmed that the charge follows an intensive inquiry into activities alleged to have taken place over a multi-year span.

Investigation Scope and Legal Details

Case Detail	Information
Suspect Name	Joshua Kerry
Age & Origin	28, from Rotherham, South Yorkshire
New Charge	Preparation of terrorist acts (including against Nigel Farage)
Alleged Timeline	31 May 2024 to 8 July 2026
Previous Charge	Murder of Ann Widdecombe
Upcoming Court Date	Wednesday at Westminster Magistrates’ Court

According to counter-terrorism officials, the investigation involved a dedicated team of detectives, analysts, and forensic experts working across multiple lines of inquiry. Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, the senior national coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing, described the operation as a hugely intensive and complex investigation driven by the tireless work of investigators throughout the network.

Frank Ferguson, chief crown prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service’s Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division, explained that prosecutors worked closely alongside police to review the evidence. Having carefully reviewed the evidence, we have made the decision to prosecute Joshua Kerry for engaging in conduct in preparation of terrorist acts, Ferguson stated.

Background on the Murder of Ann Widdecombe

The terrorism charges are tied to the broader investigation surrounding the death of Ann Widdecombe. The 78-year-old former Conservative minister and Reform UK spokeswoman died in July after sustaining severe injuries at her home.

A previous court hearing revealed that Widdecombe was hit over the head with a hammer 21 times at her residence in Haytor on Dartmoor, Devon. Her body was discovered face down on her kitchen floor by her gardener on the morning of 9 July, and emergency services declared her dead at the scene.

Widdecombe enjoyed a long career in British public life. She served as the Conservative Member of Parliament for Maidstone in Kent for 23 years and held ministerial positions in Sir John Major’s government during the 1990s. Following her departure from the House of Commons, she appeared on the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing and would later become a Reform UK spokeswoman.

Broader Security Context Involving Nigel Farage

The counter-terrorism inquiry has also intersected with previous security incidents involving the Reform UK leader. Earlier, authorities reopened a probe into an alleged firebomb attack at Nigel Farage’s home located in south London.

Metropolitan Police and Counter Terrorism Policing London initially investigated that incident as an “attempted burglary”, but made no arrests and the case was closed pending any new lines of inquiry. However, upon reopening the probe, investigators identified a line of inquiry which it said “may have been relevant” but had not been “identified and pursued by them at the time”.

The Reform UK leader told the Daily Telegraph in April that a lit incendiary device was pushed through his letterbox early last year in what he described as an “outright arson attack”. He was away from his home at the time and discovered the damage when he returned, saying the device had “luckily” burned itself out in the porch.

Next Steps in the Legal Proceedings

Joshua Kerry remains in custody following his initial appearance in July at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, where he spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address during a hearing at Westminster magistrates court in July. He was not asked to indicate a plea. Authorities confirmed that Kerry is scheduled to make his next court appearance at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday to face the newly added terrorism charge.

Both the Crown Prosecution Service and Counter Terrorism Policing have indicated that their collaborative investigation remains active. Prosecutors stated they will continue working alongside detectives as inquiries progress.