British counter-terrorism police have charged 28-year-old Joshua Kerry with planning terrorist acts between May 2024 and July 2026, including plots targeting Reform UK leader Nigel Farage. Kerry is already awaiting trial for the July murder of former Conservative minister and Reform UK spokeswoman Ann Widdecombe.
Joshua Kerry Faces Additional Terrorism Charge Involving Nigel Farage
Investigators announced the fresh terrorism charge against Joshua Kerry on October 2, 2026, following what counter-terrorism officials described as an intensive and complex inquiry. The 28-year-old from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, is accused of engaging in conduct in preparation of terrorist acts contrary to section 5(1)(a) of the Terrorism Act 2006. Prosecutors stated that the alleged activity took place across a window from May 31, 2024, to July 8, 2026, and explicitly included plots directed at Nigel Farage MP.
Senior national coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing Vicki Evans detailed the breadth of the operation behind the filing, noting that a dedicated team of detectives, analysts, and forensic experts worked on multiple lines of enquiry.
Kerry is scheduled to appear at London’s Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.
Kerry Faces Murder Charge for Ann Widdecombe Death
The terrorism charges compound an already severe legal case against Kerry, who was charged in July with the murder of 78-year-old Ann Widdecombe. Widdecombe, a former Conservative minister who served as the MP for Maidstone in Kent for 23 years and later became a Reform UK spokeswoman, was found dead on July 9 at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor, Devon.
In August, Counter Terrorism Policing reopened a separate year-long probe into an alleged firebomb attack at Nigel Farage’s home in south London. Metropolitan Police and CTP London had initially investigated that incident as an attempted burglary, making no arrests before the case was closed pending any new lines of inquiry.
Political Fallout and Security Debates Surrounding Nigel Farage
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood described the developments as extremely concerning, offering her profound sympathies to Farage and his family.
Mahmood added that they must use this as an opportunity to reset, stating that once parliament returns she will update on work to strengthen protections for those who choose to serve. While the Reform leader has previously stated that the money was for his personal security, Reform lawmaker Richard Tice described the situation on X as terrifying, and a party source told the BBC that this is exactly why Nigel needed £5m to protect his security for life.