Man accused over Ann Widdecombe murder charged in alleged terror plot

Joshua Kerry has been charged with preparing terrorist acts, including an alleged plan targeting Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, according to Counter Terrorism Policing. Kerry, 28, had already been charged with the murder of Ann Widdecombe, the 78-year-old former Conservative minister and Reform UK spokeswoman. The terrorism charge relates to alleged activity between May 2024 and July 2026.

Kerry, from Rotherham, is due to appear in court over the terrorism charge on Wednesday. Police said the charge followed an intensive investigation involving detectives, analysts and forensic experts. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the development would be extremely concerning and expressed sympathy for Farage and his family.

She said an attack on anyone in politics was an attack on society and that the case raised serious questions about the security of public figures. A Reform UK source said the case demonstrated why Farage had needed £5m for lifelong personal security. Farage is separately facing a parliamentary standards investigation into a £5m donation from a billionaire, which he has said was intended for his security.

The Crown Prosecution Service said it had worked closely with police and would continue to do so as the investigation proceeded. Widdecombe was found dead at her home in Haytor, Devon, on 9 July with serious injuries. She represented Maidstone in Parliament for 23 years and later appeared on Strictly Come Dancing before becoming a Reform UK spokeswoman.