Man accused of Ann Widdecombe murder faces court over alleged Farage terror plot

Joshua Kerry, 28, has been charged with one count of preparation of terrorist acts between May 31, 2024 and July 8 this year.

Kerry, of Rotherham, South Yorkshire, is already charged with the murder of Miss Widdecombe, 78, who was found dead at her home near Haytor on Dartmoor, Devon.

The defendant is now due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Wednesday to face the additional terrorism charge.

Ann Widdecombe was a spokeswoman for Reform UK (Lucy North/PA)

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The Metropolitan Police previously investigated the incident as an attempted burglary but closed the case after no arrests were made.

Counter Terrorism Policing London later reviewed the investigation and identified what it described as a line of inquiry that "may have been relevant" but which had not been pursued at the time.

No further details of the allegation against Kerry have yet been disclosed by police.

Miss Widdecombe, one of Britain's best-known politicians and broadcasters, served as a Conservative MP from 1987 until 2010 and was a minister under John Major's government. In recent years she became a prominent supporter and spokeswoman for Reform UK and was a close ally of Mr Farage.

Her death prompted tributes from across the political spectrum.

Ann Widdecombe died on July 8. Joshua Kerry has been charged with her murder (Zoe Head-Thomas/PA)

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At an earlier hearing, Kerry appeared by video link from prison and spoke only to confirm his identity. He was remanded in custody.

The case has attracted national attention because of Miss Widdecombe's profile in public life and her role within Reform UK, as well as the alleged link to a separate investigation concerning Mr Farage.

Kerry has not yet entered pleas to either the murder charge or the terrorism allegation.

The terrorism charge will be considered when he appears before magistrates in Westminster later this week, while proceedings relating to the murder accusation are continuing through the courts.