Ann Widdecombe Murder Suspect Charged With Terror Plot Against Nigel 2026

The man accused of murdering Ann Widdecombe has been charged with engaging in conduct in preparation of acts of terrorism, including against Nigel Farage, police have said. Joshua Kerry, 28, of Rotherham in South Yorkshire, was charged by the Crown Prosecution Service on Friday with one count of preparation of terrorist acts.

The charge relates to activity alleged to have taken place between 31 May 2024 and 8 July this year, according to counter-terrorism police. The senior national coordinator 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.”

Kerry was due to appear at Westminster magistrates court on Wednesday. Widdecombe, 78, a spokesperson for Farage’s Reform UK party and a former Conservative minister, died in July after being hit over the head with a hammer 21 times at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor, Devon, a court previously heard. She was found lying face down on her kitchen floor by her gardener on the morning of 9 July and declared dead by emergency services.

Who Was Ann Widdecombe?

Ann Widdecombe was a prominent British politician and broadcaster. She served as a Conservative MP from 1987 to 2010 and later joined the Brexit Party, which became Reform UK. At the time of her death, she was a spokesperson for Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party. Her murder shocked the nation and sparked a major investigation.

The Charges Against Joshua Kerry

Joshua Kerry faces one count of preparation of terrorist acts under the Terrorism Act 2006. The charge alleges that he engaged in conduct in preparation of acts of terrorism, including against Nigel Farage, between 31 May 2024 and 8 July 2025. He is also accused of murdering Ann Widdecombe.

What Is Preparation of Terrorist Acts?

Under Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006, it is an offence to engage in any conduct in preparation for giving effect to an intention to commit acts of terrorism. This can include planning, researching, or taking steps towards carrying out an attack. The maximum penalty is life imprisonment.

Timeline of Events

Key Takeaways

• Joshua Kerry, 28, has been charged with preparation of terrorist acts, including against Nigel Farage.
• The charge covers alleged activity between 31 May 2024 and 8 July 2025.
• Kerry is also accused of murdering Ann Widdecombe, who was killed in July.
• Counter-terrorism police have described the investigation as intensive and complex.
• Kerry is due to appear at Westminster magistrates court on Wednesday.

Reactions and Implications

The charges have sent shockwaves through the UK political landscape. Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, has not yet issued a public statement. The case highlights the growing threat of terrorism and political violence in the UK. Counter-terrorism police have emphasized their commitment to thorough investigations.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans 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.”

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