A 28-year-old man accused of murdering former Conservative minister Ann Widdecombe has been charged with preparing acts of terror, including alleged plans targeting Reform UK leader Nigel Farage.
Joshua Kerry faced the terror charge on Friday following what counter-terrorism police described as an intensive investigation spanning multiple lines of inquiry. The charge relates to activity alleged to have occurred between 31 May 2024 and 8 July 2026, according to counter-terrorism police. Kerry, from Byrley Road in Rotherham, was charged under section 5(1)(a) of the Terrorism Act 2006.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans of Counter Terrorism Policing said the charge reflected the work of a dedicated team.
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.
The Crown Prosecution Service authorised the prosecution, with Chief Crown Prosecutor Frank Ferguson confirming that prosecutors had reviewed the evidence and would continue working with police as the investigation progresses.
The Widdecombe murder
Widdecombe, aged 78, was discovered dead at her home in Haytor, Devon, on Thursday 9 July. She had sustained serious injuries in the attack. According to court proceedings, prosecutors told the court that Widdecombe was struck on the head 21 times with a hammer, with the attack allegedly captured on home security camera footage.
Kerry was charged in July with her murder. Widdecombe had served as Conservative MP for Maidstone in Kent for 23 years and held ministerial positions in Sir John Major's government during the 1990s. After leaving Parliament, she appeared on the television programme Strictly Come Dancing and subsequently became a spokeswoman for Reform UK.
What happens next
Kerry is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on 7 October 2026 regarding the terror charge. His murder case is listed for a case management hearing at the Old Bailey on 9 October 2026, with a provisional trial date set for 8 June 2027.
