A 28-year-old man has been charged with preparing acts of terrorism, including against Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, British police announced on Friday. Joshua Kerry, of Rotherham, South Yorkshire, now faces two serious charges: one count of preparation of terrorist acts under the Terrorism Act 2006 and a separate murder charge related to the death of former MP Ann Widdecombe.
Kerry is scheduled to appear at London’s Westminster Magistrates’ Court next Wednesday. The terrorism charge covers alleged conduct between May 31, 2024, and July 8, 2026, according to a statement from Senior National Coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing Vicki Evans.
Key Developments
- Terrorism Charge: Kerry is accused of engaging in conduct in preparation of acts of terrorism, including against Farage, the MP for Clacton. The charge does not specify the nature of the planned acts but indicates they were allegedly intended to occur within the specified timeframe.
- Murder Charge: Kerry was previously charged in July with the murder of Ann Widdecombe, a prominent Reform UK figure found dead at her home in Devon on July 9. Prosecutors allege Widdecombe was attacked with a hammer, sustaining 21 blows to the head, while eating lunch. Kerry reportedly entered her home unannounced before the assault.
Investigation Details
Police described the case as a “hugely intensive and complex investigation”, involving detectives, analysts, and forensic experts across the Counter Terrorism Policing network. Evans emphasized the collaborative effort behind the charges, stating the investigation had been ongoing for some time and required extensive resources.
The Crown Prosecution Service confirmed the terrorism charge, linking it to the same investigative timeline as the murder charge. Authorities have not disclosed additional details about the alleged terrorism plot, including specific targets, methods, or motives.
Political and Public Response
The case has drawn attention from UK officials. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood posted on X (formerly Twitter), calling the new charges “extremely concerning” and offering “profound sympathies” to the Farage family. She added that “an attack on anyone in politics is an attack on us all,” framing the case as a broader threat to democratic institutions.
Farage, a leading figure in the Reform UK party, has not publicly commented on the charges as of publication. The case follows heightened scrutiny of political violence in the UK, amid debates over security measures for high-profile public figures.
Next Steps
Kerry remains in custody pending his court appearance. The magistrates’ hearing will mark the first formal step in what is expected to be a prolonged legal process. Further details, including potential links between the terrorism plot and the murder charge, may emerge during the proceedings.