Politics · United Kingdom · 2 days ago
Prosecutors say man charged over Widdecombe killing targeted Reform figures
Joshua Kerry, 28, is charged with murdering Ann Widdecombe, a prominent figure in Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party.
Prosecutors say he killed the 78-year-old at her home in Devon in July 2026.
They also accuse him of trying to get into Farage’s London home in April 2025, in preparation for a terrorist act.
Prosecutors say Kerry researched the addresses of politicians and public figures and had hostility towards Reform.
Kerry has not been asked to enter a plea, and the accusations have not been proven in court.
The killing has heightened concerns about the security of politicians in Britain.
He was remanded in custody until a hearing in January, ahead of a trial scheduled for June.
Prosecutors say Joshua Kerry was motivated by hostility to Reform UK when he allegedly killed Ann Widdecombe and targeted party leader Nigel Farage.
Kerry, 28, is charged with murdering Widdecombe, 78, and with preparing a terrorist act linked to an alleged attempt to enter Farage’s home.
Prosecutors say Kerry researched politicians and public figures from May 2024 until Widdecombe’s killing in July 2026.
They described his mindset as extreme left-wing and anti-establishment and said the alleged incidents were politically and ideologically motivated.
Kerry was remanded in custody after appearing by video link on October 9, 2026, and is due to face trial next June.
- Who
- Joshua Kerry, 28, is charged in the case. Ann Widdecombe and Nigel Farage are the alleged targets.
- What
- Prosecutors say Kerry murdered Widdecombe and attempted to enter Farage’s home as part of politically motivated conduct.
- When
- Widdecombe was killed on July 8, 2026; the alleged attempt to enter Farage’s home was in April 2025.
- Where
- Widdecombe was killed at her home in Haytor, Devon. Farage’s home is in London.
- Why
- Prosecutors say Kerry had an extreme left-wing and anti-establishment mindset and particular hostility to Reform.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The prosecution are likely to suggest that is demonstrated by those he took action against. He held particular hostility towards Reform
has a terrorist connection – we say it was politically and ideologically motivated
He held a particular hostility against Reform.
Prosecutors say Kerry researched the home or office addresses of politicians and public figures during this period.
Kerry is accused of attempting to get inside Nigel Farage’s home.
Ann Widdecombe was killed at her home in Haytor, Devon.
Kerry was arrested, according to the Daily Mail.
Kerry appeared in court by video link and was remanded in custody until his next hearing in January.
Kerry is due to face trial, according to the Straits Times.
- Defendant
- Joshua Kerry, 28
- Widdecombe’s age
- 78
- Alleged killing
- July 8, 2026, at her home in Haytor, Devon
- Alleged Farage incident
- April 2025, at his London home
- Next hearing
- January
- Trial
- Next June
Sources
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