Archive · 3 Oct 2026
Man Accused of Widdecombe Murder Charged Over Alleged Farage Terror Plot
Joshua Kerry, who is 28, has been charged with preparing acts of terrorism.
Police said some of the alleged activity involved Nigel Farage, a leader of the Reform UK party.
They have not shared more details about the alleged plans.
Kerry is also charged with murdering Ann Widdecombe, a former politician.
She was found dead at her home on July 9.
Prosecutors said she had been hit on the head with a hammer.
Kerry is due to appear in a London magistrates’ court on October 7, although another report says Wednesday.
Politicians said the case raises questions about protecting people in public life.
Joshua Kerry, 28, was charged with preparing acts of terrorism over alleged conduct from May 31, 2024, to July 8, 2026.
Police said the alleged preparations related in part to Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, but provided no further details.
Kerry was already charged with murdering former minister Ann Widdecombe, 78, who was found dead at her home on July 9.
Prosecutors said Widdecombe was allegedly struck on the head 21 times with a hammer; Kerry denies neither charge in the reports, which do not state a plea.
Politicians including Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood and Reform lawmaker Richard Tice raised concerns about the security of people in public life.
- Who
- Joshua Kerry, 28, has been charged; the alleged terrorism preparations related in part to Nigel Farage.
- What
- Kerry faces a terrorism-preparation charge and is also charged with murdering Ann Widdecombe.
- When
- Police said the alleged terrorism-related conduct took place from May 31, 2024, to July 8, 2026; Kerry is due in court on October 7, with one report instead saying Wednesday.
- Where
- The court appearance is scheduled in London. Widdecombe was found at her home in rural southwest England.
- Why
- Police said an intensive investigation led to the terrorism charge; they did not provide further details about the alleged preparations.
Reform figures’ security argument
Funding scrutiny
Farage’s security and the £5 million gift
Reform figures’ security argument
Reform lawmaker Richard Tice and a Reform UK source said the alleged threat supports the need for substantial security for Nigel Farage.
Funding scrutiny
Farage is facing a parliamentary investigation into whether he should have declared a £5 million gift from a cryptocurrency investor. The reports do not present a direct response from the inquiry to Reform’s security argument.
Security of people in public life
Reform figures’ security argument
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the case raises serious questions about the security of people in public life and that an attack on anyone in politics is an attack on everyone.
Funding scrutiny
Police described a complex investigation and a very serious charge but did not disclose details of the alleged preparations or offer a specific assessment of wider security policy.
- Accused
- Joshua Kerry, 28, from Rotherham in northern England
- Terrorism charge period
- May 31, 2024, to July 8, 2026, according to one report
- Alleged target referenced
- Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK
- Separate charge
- Murder of former minister Ann Widdecombe, 78
- Widdecombe found
- July 9, at her home in rural southwest England
- Prosecution account
- Kashif Malik told a court Widdecombe was allegedly struck on the head 21 times with a hammer
- Court appearance
- Scheduled for October 7 at a London magistrates’ court; another report says Wednesday
