Full Breakdown
Joshua Kerry Charged with Preparing Terrorist Acts Against Nigel Farage
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
On October 2, 2026, British police announced that Joshua Kerry, 28, of Rotherham, South Yorkshire, has been charged with one count of preparation of terrorist acts that allegedly include an attack on Nigel Farage, leader of the Reform UK party. The charge covers alleged conduct between May 31, 2024 and July 8, 2026. Kerry is already facing a murder charge for the killing of former minister Ann Widdecombe, whose body was discovered on July 9, 2026, after she was struck 21 times with a hammer at her home in Haytor, Devon.
Background & Context
Ann Widdecombe, a former Conservative MP who later served as Reform UK’s spokesperson, was murdered in July 2026, becoming the third British lawmaker killed in a decade after David Amess (2021) and Jo Cox (2016). The murder prompted a renewed focus on the security of public figures. Counter-terrorism investigators subsequently reopened a separate inquiry into a 2025 fire-bomb attack on Farage’s London residence, linking it to the same suspect.
Timeline
- May 31, 2024 – Start of the period alleged for terrorist-preparation activity.
- July 8, 2026 – End of the alleged activity period.
- July 9, 2026 – Ann Widdecombe found dead at her Devon home.
- July 11, 2026 – Kerry arrested two days after the murder.
- October 2, 2026 – Police announce the terrorism-preparation charge.
- October 7, 2026 – Scheduled appearance at Westminster Magistrates’ Court.
Data & Statistics
- Age of suspect: 28 years.
- Victim count: One confirmed murder (Widdecombe); the terrorism charge alleges plans against a second political figure (Farage).
- Weapon used in murder: Hammer, delivering 21 blows to the head.
Official Statements & Responses
She called for a review of security protections for public officials.
Chief Crown Prosecutor Frank Ferguson of the Crown Prosecution Service’s Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division stated that prosecutors had “carefully reviewed the evidence” before deciding to bring the terrorism-preparation charge.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The charge announced today is a result of the tireless work of investigators across the Counter Terrorism Policing network,” — Vicki Evans, deputy assistant commissioner
- “Having carefully reviewed the evidence we have made the decision to prosecute Joshua Kerry for engaging in conduct in preparation of terrorist acts,” — Frank Ferguson
- “We have been running a hugely intensive and complex investigation for some time. Joshua Kerry, 28, from Rotherham, was charged with the murder of Ms Widdecombe |” — Counter Terrorism Policing, Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans
What's Next
Kerry is scheduled to appear before Westminster Magistrates’ Court on October 7, 2026, where the terrorism-preparation charge will be formally entered. The court will also consider his existing murder charge. Counter-terrorism officials have indicated that the investigation remains ongoing, with further inquiries into potential links between the Widdecombe murder and the earlier fire-bomb incident at Farage’s home.