Joshua Kerry, 28, is due in court over an alleged terror plot targeting Nigel Farage, in addition to his existing murder charge for the death of Ann Widdecombe.
Kerry, of Rotherham, South Yorkshire, has been charged with one count of preparation of terrorist acts between May 31, 2024 and July 8 this year. He is already charged with the murder of Miss Widdecombe, 78, who was found dead at her home near Haytor on Dartmoor, Devon. A previous hearing was told the former Conservative cabinet minister suffered 21 hammer blows to the head in the attack on July 8.
Court appearance and investigation
The defendant is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Wednesday to face the additional terrorism charge. The development follows counter-terror officers reopening an investigation into an alleged firebomb attack at Reform UK leader Mr Farage's south London home.
The Metropolitan Police previously investigated the incident as an attempted burglary but closed the case after no arrests were made. Counter Terrorism Policing London later reviewed the investigation and identified a line of inquiry that "may have been relevant" but had not been pursued at the time. No further details of the allegation against Kerry have been disclosed by police.
Background and legal proceedings
Miss Widdecombe, one of Britain's best-known politicians and broadcasters, served as a Conservative MP from 1987 until 2010 and was a minister under John Major's government. In recent years she became a prominent supporter and spokeswoman for Reform UK and was a close ally of Mr Farage. Her death prompted tributes from across the political spectrum.
At an earlier hearing, Kerry appeared by video link from prison and spoke only to confirm his identity. He was remanded in custody. Kerry has not yet entered pleas to either the murder charge or the terrorism allegation.
The terrorism charge will be considered when he appears before magistrates in Westminster later this week, while proceedings relating to the murder accusation are continuing through the courts.
