Crime · updated 1h ago · 2 min read
Joshua Kerry Charged With Preparing Terror Acts Against Nigel Farage And Ann Widdecombe
Joshua Kerry, 28, charged with preparation of terrorist acts including against Nigel Farage. Charge relates to activities alleged between May 2024 and July 2026.
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Kerry faces terror charge
Joshua Kerry, 28, was charged with one count of preparation of terrorist acts, including against Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, after counter terror police said the alleged activity took place between May 2024 and July 2026. The BBC said Kerry was also charged in July with the murder of 78-year-old Ann Widdecombe, a former Conservative minister and Reform UK spokeswoman, after she was found dead on Thursday 9 July at her home in Haytor, Devon.
Counter Terrorism Policing Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans said the charge on Friday was the result of a "hugely intensive and complex investigation," and she said the investigation had been led by a dedicated team of detectives, analysts, and forensic experts. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said she knew the fresh charge would be "extremely concerning" and that her "profound sympathies" were with Farage and his family.
Investigation details and court
Vicki Evans said the investigation into Kerry had been led by a dedicated team of detectives, analysts, and forensics working across multiple strands of inquiry, and she said it had resulted in a serious formal indictment. The Guardian said Vicki Evans described the work as "a hugely intensive and complex investigation" and said the charge announced today was a result of the tireless work of investigators across the counter-terrorism policing network.
Kerry was due to appear at Westminster magistrates court on Wednesday, police said, and the BBC said he was due to appear in court over the terror charge on Wednesday. The Crown Prosecution Service’s Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division said prosecutors "worked closely" with police to bring the charge and would continue to work alongside them as the investigation continued.
Security stakes for politics
Shabana Mahmood said, "Let no one make any mistake: an attack on anyone in politics is an attack on us all," and she said the case raised serious questions about the security of those in public life. The Jo Cox Foundation said, "No one in public life should have to fear for their safety," and it warned that violence, abuse and intimidation not only endangered individuals and their families, but threatened "our democracy".
The Guardian said Widdecombe was hit over the head with a hammer 21 times at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor, Devon, and it said she was found lying face down on her kitchen floor by her gardener on the morning of 9 July. The Guardian said the Metropolitan police and CTP London investigated an alleged firebomb attack at Farage’s home in south London as an "attempted burglary" and made no arrests before the case was closed pending any new lines of inquiry.