Man accused of Widdecombe murder faces terrorism charge linked to Farage home

London, United Kingdom. A man accused of murdering former British minister Ann Widdecombe appeared in court on Wednesday charged with a terrorism offence that includes allegedly attempting to break into the home of Reform UK leader Nigel Farage.

Terrorism charge and court appearance

Joshua Kerry, 28, from Rotherham in northern England, is charged with engaging in conduct in preparation of terrorist acts between May 2024 and July this year. He is accused of researching prominent people and institutions, travelling to Farage’s house and attempting to gain entry.

Kerry appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court in London, where he spoke only to confirm his name and age. He was remanded in custody and is due to appear at London’s Old Bailey court on Friday.

Prosecutor Kashif Malik told the court that Farage’s partner returned home in April 2025 to find the front door damaged, with part of its wooden frame hanging off. A bottle of lighter fluid was also found in the porch.

“The inference being that an attempt was made to gain entry to the house,” Malik said.

Widdecombe murder charge

Kerry has already been charged with murdering Widdecombe, 78, a prominent figure in Reform UK. She was found dead at her home in rural southwest England on July 9 after being attacked the previous day.

Prosecutors say Widdecombe was struck 21 times with a hammer. The killing shocked British politics and raised further concerns about politicians’ security, following the killings of two serving British members of parliament since 2016.

Kerry has not yet entered a plea to any of the charges he faces.

Farage’s political profile and previous incidents

Farage, 62, is often credited with forcing the 2016 referendum on whether Britain should remain in the European Union. He has been one of the most influential and divisive figures in British politics for more than a decade.

While campaigning for parliament in 2024, Farage had a milkshake thrown at him by a woman. On another occasion, a man hurled objects towards his open-top bus.