Kemi Badenoch was 'put on a reconnaissance list by Ann Widdecombe murder suspect'

Published: 23:47 BST, 8 October 2026 | Updated: 23:48 BST, 8 October 2026

Kemi Badenoch was on a 'reconnaissance' list of around 100 MPs allegedly compiled by the man accused of killing Ann Widdecombe.

The Tory leader's name featured in an online dossier said to have been compiled by Joshua Kerry before he allegedly killed the Reform UK politician in July.

The 28-year-old, who is also charged with trying to break into Nigel Farage's home in an alleged terrorist plot, is accused of researching more than 100 MPs including top Tory and Reform UK politicians. 

Shadow Foreign Secretary Tom Tugendhat, Reform UK's Robert Jenrick, Lee Anderson and Richard Tice, and independent MP Rosie Duffield were among the names on a list allegedly found at his home.

The Daily Mail understands that none of the politicians listed is being treated as a victim or witness in the counter-terrorism investigation as no evidence has been found to suggest any attacks had been planned against them.

No charges have been brought in relation to the research list.

Westminster Magistrates' Court heard on Wednesday that the alleged killer spent nearly two years researching 'prominent people and institutions', between May 2024 and July 2026, including looking up details of Mr Farage's home.

Kerry is accused of trying to batter down the Reform leader's front door while armed with a bottle of lighter fluid in 'preparation of terrorist acts' in April last year. 

Ann Widdecombe, 78, died on July 8 after she was hit over the head with a hammer 21 times.

A court artist sketch of Kerry, 28, appearing at Westminster Magistrates' Courton Wednesday

Kemi Badenoch was on a 'reconnaissance' list of around 100 MPs allegedly compiled by the man accused of killing Ms Widdecombe

A year later Kerry is said to have bludgeoned Reform spokeswoman Ms Widdecombe to death in her Devon home.

The 78-year-old died on July 8 after she was hit over the head with a hammer 21 times.

On Thursday night several MPs accused the police and Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood of letting them down by failing to tell them for months that they were on the alleged list.

Although Kerry's home in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, was searched at the time of his arrest in July, MPs were told only this week that their names featured in the investigation.

Mr Anderson, the Reform chairman and MP for Ashfield, told The Daily Telegraph: 'I think it's shocking, really.

'The police have let us down, and the Home Secretary has let us down. We live in an age when it is getting worse, not better, and MPs are not feeling safe.'

Last week Kerry was charged with one count of preparation of terrorist acts relating to the alleged attack on Mr Farage's home. 

He has not entered pleas, but is due at the Old Bailey on Friday for a pre-trial hearing.