Joshua Kerry, a 28-year-old from Rotherham, has been formally charged with preparing acts of terrorism, including threats against prominent political figure Nigel Farage, as reported by British authorities.
Earlier in July, Kerry faced charges for the murder of Ann Widdecombe, a former Member of Parliament and spokesperson for Reform UK, who was discovered deceased in her residence at the age of 78.
Kerry is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court in London on Wednesday.
British police confirmed that Kerry has been charged with one count of preparing acts of terrorism for actions allegedly committed between May 31, 2024, and July 8, 2026. This comes in the wake of his earlier murder charge related to Widdecombe’s death.
Widdecombe, a significant figure in Reform UK, was found dead in her home in rural southwestern England on July 9, following a violent incident a day prior. Prosecutor Kashif Malik revealed in court that Kerry allegedly attacked her with a hammer, striking her on the head 21 times while she was having lunch.
Kerry reportedly traveled approximately 500 kilometers from his home to carry out the attack. The gardener discovered Widdecombe’s body on the kitchen floor, lying face down.
Nigel Farage, 62, who has played a pivotal role in British politics for over a decade—most notably influencing the 2016 Brexit referendum—has been a polarizing figure. His party, Reform UK, had been leading in polls until recent controversies regarding party funding and changes in leadership led to a decline in support.
Currently, Farage is under parliamentary scrutiny regarding whether he should have disclosed a substantial £5 million ($9.5 million) donation from a billionaire cryptocurrency investor, which he claims was essential for his personal security.
A source from Reform UK stated, “This is precisely why Nigel required £5 million to ensure his lifelong protection.”
British Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood expressed her deep concerns about the recent charges. In a statement on X, she conveyed her sympathy for Farage and emphasized that any attack on a political figure is an affront to democracy itself. “This case raises serious questions about the safety of individuals in public life,” she remarked.
Widdecombe’s murder marks her as the third UK politician to be killed in a violent attack this decade. Jo Cox, a Labour Party MP, was murdered in 2016 by a man with neo-Nazi affiliations, while Conservative MP David Amess was killed in 2021 by an individual linked to the Islamic State.
