Joshua Kerry, the 28-year-old already facing trial for the murder of former Conservative minister Ann Widdecombe, has been charged with a separate terrorism offence: preparing acts of terrorism that prosecutors say included a plot against Reform UK leader Nigel Farage.
The Crown Prosecution Service says the alleged conduct took place between 31 May 2024 and 8 July this year. Kerry is due before Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday. He remains in custody as a separate case proceeds over the murder of Widdecombe, who was killed at her Devon home in July. That trial is scheduled to begin in June next year.
Frank Ferguson, chief prosecutor in the CPS special crime and counterterrorism division, said the decision to prosecute followed a careful review of the evidence.
“Having carefully reviewed the evidence, we have made the decision to prosecute Joshua Kerry for engaging in conduct in preparation of terrorist acts. Our prosecutors have worked closely with police to establish that there is sufficient evidence to bring this case to court and we will continue working with them as their investigation progresses.”
Ferguson added that the case remains active and that Kerry retains the right to a fair trial, cautioning against any reporting or commentary that could prejudice proceedings.
Vicki Evans, Deputy Assistant Commissioner at the Metropolitan Police and senior national co-ordinator for counter-terrorism policing, said the charge followed a lengthy and complex inquiry.
“We have been running a hugely intensive and complex investigation for some time. The charge announced today is a result of the tireless work of investigators across the counterterrorism policing network. This investigation has been led by a dedicated team of detectives, analysts and forensic experts, working on multiple lines of inquiry, which has resulted in this very serious charge.”
Widdecombe served as a government minister under John Major in the 1990s before becoming a Brexit Party MEP and later a Reform UK spokeswoman.
Security funding under scrutiny
The case lands amid an ongoing row over Farage’s personal security. In 2024, mega donor Christopher Harborne gave Farage a £5 million gift to fund a security detail. At the time Farage had retired from politics, and before Rishi Sunak’s call for a snap election drew him back in, Farage considered himself a private citizen free to accept the money without disclosing it to parliamentary watchdogs.
Labour and Conservative lawmakers subsequently argued the donation should have been disclosed, suggesting the omission may have breached parliamentary ethics rules. Farage went on to resign his seat and stand in a by-election in Clacton, putting the matter to voters directly.
On Saturday, Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice accused the government of failing to take seriously warnings Farage had raised for years about threats to his safety.
“He’s not being believed, not being listened to, and you know we have just got in a sense deep regret over everything that’s happened over a long period of time.”
Parliament withdrew funding for Farage’s security last year, but Tice said authorities have shifted their approach in recent weeks, calling the change welcome.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood responded to the new charges by acknowledging the gravity of the situation.
“I know the new charges made today will be extremely concerning. My profound sympathies are with Nigel Farage and his family. Let no one make any mistake: an attack on anyone in politics is an attack on us all. This case raises serious questions about the security of those in public life. We must use this as an opportunity to reset. Once parliament returns, I will update on our work to strengthen protections for those who choose to serve.”
