Man Accused of Murdering Ann Widdecombe Charged With Preparing Terrorist Acts Against Nigel Farage

The man already in custody over the murder of former minister Ann Widdecombe has been charged with preparing acts of terrorism, including a plot targeting Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, British police announced on Friday.

Joshua Kerry, 28, of Rotherham, South Yorkshire, faces one count of preparation of terrorist acts under Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006, relating to alleged activity between May 31, 2024 and July 8, 2026, according to Counter Terrorism Policing.

Kerry has been in custody since late July on a murder charge over the killing of Widdecombe, 78, a former Conservative minister who later served as a Reform UK spokeswoman, at her home in Devon. A provisional murder trial date has been listed for June 8, 2027, according to court reporting.

He is due before Westminster Magistrates’ Court in London on Wednesday, October 7, in connection with the terror charge.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, the senior national coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing, said the charge followed “a hugely intensive and complex investigation” by a dedicated team of detectives, analysts and forensic experts.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood called the development “extremely concerning,” telling X: “An attack on anyone in politics is an attack on us all.” She said the case raised serious questions about the security of public life and pledged to update Parliament on work to strengthen protections.

The Times reported that Farage has previously said he receives more than 300 threats a month.

Sources:

• CNN: https://www.cnn.com/2026/10/02/world/uk-police-terrorism-charge-joshua-kerry-latam-intl?cid=external-feeds_iluminar_meta
• The Times: https://www.thetimes.com/uk/crime/article/man-charged-with-planning-act-of-terror-against-nigel-farage-w7j2wk52w
• Fox News: https://foxnews.com/world/uk-man-accused-planning-terrorism-acts-against-nigel-farage-also-charged-murder-another-politician