The short version
- Joshua Kerry faces a new charge of preparing terrorist acts allegedly directed at Nigel Farage between May 2024 and July 2026.
- The development follows Kerry’s existing murder charge in the death of former Conservative minister Ann Widdecombe at her Devon home.
- Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood stated the case highlights urgent security gaps for public figures and promised updates on protective measures.
Counter-terrorism authorities have charged Joshua Kerry, the suspect in the murder of former Conservative minister Ann Widdecombe, with preparing acts of terrorism. The new allegation centers on conduct aimed at Nigel Farage, the leader of Reform UK. Police stated that Kerry, a 28-year-old resident of Rotherham, was formally charged on Friday with one count of preparation of terrorist acts. This development expands the scope of the investigation beyond the homicide case to include broader threats against political figures.
The terrorism charge relates to activities alleged to have occurred between late May 2024 and early July 2026. Counter Terrorism Policing officials described the investigation as highly intensive and complex, involving multiple lines of inquiry pursued by detectives, analysts, and forensic experts. Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans noted that the charge was the result of tireless work across the policing network. Kerry is scheduled to appear at Westminster magistrates court on Wednesday to face this new accusation.
Kerry was previously charged in July with the murder of Widdecombe, who was found dead at her home in Haytor, Devon, on July 9. Court proceedings earlier revealed that Widdecombe sustained serious injuries after being struck with a hammer multiple times. She was discovered by her gardener lying face down on her kitchen floor and was pronounced dead by emergency services shortly thereafter. During his initial hearing in July, Kerry confirmed his personal details but did not enter a plea to the murder charge.
Widdecombe had served as a Conservative Member of Parliament for Maidstone for 23 years and held ministerial positions during the government of Sir John Major in the 1990s. After leaving the House of Commons, she became a public figure through television appearances and later served as a spokeswoman for Reform UK. Her death has drawn significant attention to the safety of politicians who transition between party affiliations or maintain high public profiles outside of active parliamentary service.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood responded to the new charge by expressing profound sympathy for Farage and his family. She emphasized that an attack on any political figure constitutes an attack on society as a whole. Mahmood stated that the case raises serious questions regarding the security arrangements for those in public life. She indicated that the government intends to use this incident as an opportunity to reset and strengthen protections, promising an update on these efforts once Parliament resumes its session.
The Crown Prosecution Service’s Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division confirmed it worked closely with police to bring the charge. Frank Ferguson of the CPS stated that prosecutors would continue to collaborate with investigators as the case develops. The addition of the terrorism charge suggests that authorities view Kerry’s actions not merely as an isolated criminal act but as part of a pattern of behavior intended to intimidate or harm political opponents through violent means.
Separately, counter-terrorism police have reopened an investigation into an alleged firebomb attack at Farage’s home in south London. The incident was initially investigated as an attempted burglary by the Metropolitan Police and CTP London, with no arrests made before the case was closed pending new information. Upon reopening, investigators identified a line of inquiry that may have been relevant but was not pursued at the time. This renewed scrutiny underscores the heightened security concerns surrounding Farage.
Advocacy groups have weighed in on the broader implications of violence against politicians. Olivia Field, chief executive of the Jo Cox Foundation, stated that no one in public life should fear for their safety. She argued that abuse and intimidation threaten democracy and called for a societal approach to prevention. This includes improving political literacy, ensuring safe online environments, and providing adequate security support for politicians, their staff, and their families.
The case remains under active investigation as authorities determine the full extent of Kerry’s alleged planning activities. The connection between the murder of Widdecombe and the planned attack on Farage highlights the potential for targeted violence within the political sphere. As legal proceedings advance, the focus will remain on establishing the facts of the case while addressing the systemic security challenges identified by government officials.
Future developments will likely include detailed court hearings regarding both the murder and terrorism charges. The outcome may influence policy discussions on political protection in the United Kingdom. Stakeholders are watching closely to see how the government implements its promised review of security protocols for public figures. The intersection of criminal justice and national security in this case presents a complex challenge for investigators and policymakers alike.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- BBC News↗Widdecombe suspect charged with planning terror act against Farage
- The Guardian World↗Ann Widdecombe murder suspect charged with planning terror act against Nigel Farage
