Joshua Kerry, the man accused of murdering Ann Widdecombe in July, is set to make his first court appearance over a charge that he prepared a terror plot against Reform UK leader Nigel Farage.
Kerry, 28, of Byrley Road, Rotherham, South Yorkshire, has been charged with one count of preparation of terrorist acts relating to alleged activity between May 31, 2024 and July 8, 2026, Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) announced on Friday, October 2.
Murder charge and court appearance
Kerry is also accused of the murder of Miss Widdecombe, 78, the Reform UK spokeswoman and former Tory minister. She died on July 8 after being hit over the head with a hammer 21 times at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor, Devon, a court previously heard.
He will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court to face the fresh charge on Wednesday.
Firebomb attack probe reopened
In August, CTP reopened a year-long probe into an alleged firebomb attack at Mr Farage’s home in south London. The Metropolitan Police and CTP London said they investigated the incident as an “attempted burglary”, but made no arrests before the case was closed pending any new lines of inquiry.
Following its reopening, CTP London identified a line of inquiry which it said “may have been relevant” but had not been “identified and pursued by them at the time”.
Investigation and security concerns
Senior national co-ordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing, Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, said: “We have been running a hugely intensive and complex investigation for some time. The charge announced today is a result of the tireless work of investigators across the Counter Terrorism Policing network.”
She added: “This investigation has been led by a dedicated team of detectives, analysts, and forensic experts, working on multiple lines of enquiry, which has resulted in this very serious charge.”
Kerry's arrest and charge will lead to increased protection for MPs, according to Shabana Mahmood. The Home Secretary said terror charges were "extremely concerning" and raised “serious questions” about the security of MPs.
In a statement issued on Friday, she added: “My profound sympathies are with Nigel Farage and his family. Let no one make any mistake: an attack on anyone in politics is an attack on us all.
“This case raises serious questions about the security of those in public life. We must use this as an opportunity to reset. Once Parliament returns, I will update on our work to strengthen protections for those who choose to serve.”
