Joshua Kerry charged with murder of Ann Widdecombe and alleged terror plot against Nigel Farage
The 28‑year‑old suspect appeared in court on Wednesday, accused of killing former minister Ann Widdecombe and attempting a terror attack on Reform UK leader Nigel Farage.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Joshua Kerry, 28, appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, charged with the murder of former minister Ann Widdecombe and with preparing terrorist acts that include an alleged plot against Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, according to both the Independent and the Evening Standard.
What happened
The murder charge stems from Widdecombe’s death on 8 July 2026, when she was found at her home near Haytor on Dartmoor, Devon, having been struck 21 times with a hammer. The 78‑year‑old former prisons minister was a prominent Reform UK spokeswoman. The terrorism charge covers alleged conduct between 31 May 2024 and 8 July 2026, including online reconnaissance of prominent figures, identification of Farage’s home address, travel to that address and an attempted break‑in on 19 April 2025.
What the reports add
- The Independent reported that prosecutor Kashif Malik said a bottle of lighter fluid was left on the porch of Farage’s home and a tool mark was found on the door frame, suggesting an attempt to gain entry.
- The Standard noted that the Metropolitan Police originally treated the Widdecombe case as an attempted burglary before Counter Terrorism Policing London reopened the line of inquiry, describing it as a “may have been relevant” line that had not been pursued at the time.
- Deputy assistant commissioner Vicki Evans, senior national coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing, 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.”
- No further details of the alleged Farage plot had been disclosed by police at the time of the Standard’s reporting.
What was said
“Mr Kerry, the terrorism charge which you face is indictable only which means I must send it to the Crown Court,” Chief magistrate Paul Goldspring told the defendant.
Prosecutor Kashif Malik told the court: “The inference being that an attempt was made to gain entry to the house,” after describing the lighter‑fluid bottle and the tool mark on the door frame.
Deputy Richard Tice told the BBC that Farage’s safety warnings had been ignored.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the new charges were “extremely concerning” and pledged “stronger protections for politicians.”
How it came about
Felo News previously reported on 2 October that the terrorism charge was linked to earlier investigations into a 2025 fire‑bomb attack on Farage’s house, noting Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood’s remarks on broader security implications. The fire‑bomb incident, reported on 20 April 2025, had been captured on CCTV, leading to an IOPC investigation into a missed suspect. Deputy assistant commissioner Vicki Evans confirmed the IOPC probe on 7 August, linking the mishandling to the wider case that now includes Widdecombe’s murder and the alleged Farage plot.
Key facts
- Joshua Kerry, 28, is charged with murder of Ann Widdecombe and preparation of terrorist acts targeting Nigel Farage. (independent.co.uk)
- The alleged terrorist conduct spans 31 May 2024 to 8 July 2026, including an attempted break‑in at Farage’s home on 19 April 2025. (independent.co.uk)
- Chief magistrate Paul Goldspring remanded Kerry in custody to appear at the Old Bailey. (independent.co.uk)
Timeline
- 2024-05-31 — Start of alleged terrorist conduct period
- 2025-04-19 — Attempted break‑in at Nigel Farage’s home
- 2026-07-08 — Ann Widdecombe murdered
- 2026-10-07 — Court hearing for Joshua Kerry
Sources
- [1] independent.co.uk
- [2] standard.co.uk
