Terrorism charges filed

British counterterrorism police on 2 October 2026 charged 28-year-old Joshua Kerry with one count of preparation of terrorist acts, covering plans directed against Reform UK leader Nigel Farage. The alleged offences took place over a period extending from 31 May 2024 to 8 July 2026. Frank Ferguson, head of the counterterrorism division at the Crown Prosecution Service, confirmed that prosecutors decided to proceed after a detailed examination of the evidence collected by police. Kerry, a resident of Rotherham in South Yorkshire, remains in custody and is scheduled to appear before a London court on Wednesday, 7 October 2026.

Murder of Ann Widdecombe

Kerry had already been charged in July 2026 with the murder of former Conservative minister and Reform UK spokesperson Ann Widdecombe. The 78-year-old politician was found dead on 9 July 2026 inside her home in Haytor, a village located in Dartmoor National Park in Devon. Prosecutors stated that Widdecombe was struck on the head 21 times with a hammer before the perpetrator fled the scene with her purse. Police arrested Kerry on 11 July 2026, two days after the discovery of her body, in Rotherham, approximately 480 kilometres away from Devon. While local police initially ruled out a political motive, counterterrorism units later assumed control of the investigation after classifying the incident as a targeted attack.

Widdecombe served as a Conservative member of parliament between 1987 and 2010 and held ministerial posts during her parliamentary career. She joined Farage's Brexit Party in 2019 and served as a Member of the European Parliament until the United Kingdom departed from the European Union in 2020, later becoming a spokesperson for Reform UK.

Investigation into threats against Farage

In August 2026, British counterterrorism officers reopened an investigation into an incident at Farage's south London home that had been closed following an initial one-year inquiry. Police restarted the investigation after discovering a line of inquiry that had not been explored previously. Farage had told the Daily Telegraph in April that a lit incendiary device was placed through the letterbox of his residence early in the preceding year while he was away, describing it as an arson attempt. Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, national coordinator for counterterrorism policing, noted that the resulting terror charges followed extensive forensic work.

“We have been carrying out an extremely intensive and complex investigation for some time.”

Security measures for public officials

The charges against Kerry prompted official discussions regarding the safety of politicians in the United Kingdom. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood contacted Farage to offer support and addressed the incident publicly on social media.

“An attack on a politician is an attack on us all.”

Mahmood stated that the case brought serious concerns regarding the safety of individuals in public life. The home secretary announced that she will present specific proposals to strengthen security protections for elected officials after parliament returns from its recess.