Nigel Farage has claimed former MP Ann Widdecombe "would still be alive" today if police had properly investigated a firebomb attack on his home. The Reform UK leader made the comments after 28-year-old Joshua Kerry appeared at the Old Bailey charged with bludgeoning 78-year-old Ann to death with a hammer and preparing acts of terrorism against Farage.
Firebomb attack dismissed as attempted burglary
The court heard Kerry harboured an "extreme left-wing" mindset and a "particular hostility towards Reform". In April 2025, an intruder targeted Farage's south London home, leaving a lit incendiary device and lighter fluid. But the Met Police brushed it off as a standard "attempted burglary" and closed the case without any arrests.
Counter Terrorism Policing London has now referred itself to the watchdog IOPC over its botched probe. Farage told the Sun: "I’m sorry to say, had the police done their job with me I think Ann would still be alive."
Farage criticises police and government
He added: "Why do you think counter-terrorism police have referred themselves to the IOPC for the first time in history? The bloke given the CCTV didn’t look at it. Why not? Because it’s me. Who gives a fk about me?"
Widdicombe was found bludgeoned to death at her Devon home in July 2026 after being struck 21 times. The probe into Farage's home attack was only reopened after her murder revealed a missed forensic lead.
The Reform boss also turned his guns on the Home Office, accusing government ministers of downplaying constant threats and refusing to grant him state-funded security. He said: "I’ve had this now for years. These threats have been constant since 2013."
Trial set for 2027
Farage continued: "I’m the most physically attacked and verbally attacked person of modern times. But these have always been belittled. It’s appalling. I’ve had to live surrounded by security now for well over a decade. There’s no way around it. The Government has consistently refused to provide me with security."
He stated: "You are never safe - even when you’re retired." Accused killer Kerry is currently remanded at HMP Belmarsh and is set to stand trial in June 2027.
