The man already charged with the murder of former Conservative minister and Reform UK spokeswoman Ann Widdecombe has now been charged with engaging in conduct in preparation of acts of terrorism, including against Reform UK leader Nigel Farage MP.
Joshua Kerry, 28, of Rotherham, South Yorkshire, was charged on Friday 2 October with one count of preparation of terrorist acts, contrary to section 5(1)(a) of the Terrorism Act 2006, following authorisation from the Crown Prosecution Service.
Counter Terrorism Policing said the new charge relates to activity alleged to have taken place between 31 May 2024 and 8 July 2026.
The charge is an allegation. Kerry has not been convicted of the terrorism offence or of the separate murder charge against him, and proceedings are active.
Charge includes alleged activity against Nigel Farage
The Crown Prosecution Service and Counter Terrorism Policing have both confirmed that the alleged conduct covered by the terrorism charge includes activity against Nigel Farage MP.
Authorities have not publicly set out the full particulars of the alleged terrorism-related conduct, and the case will now be considered by the courts.
Kerry is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Wednesday 7 October 2026 in connection with the new charge.
Counter-terrorism investigation described as 'hugely intensive and complex'
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, Senior National Coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing, said investigators had been conducting a hugely intensive and complex investigation for some time.
She said a dedicated team of detectives, analysts and forensic experts had been working across multiple lines of enquiry, resulting in the new charge.
Kerry previously charged with Ann Widdecombe murder
Kerry has previously been charged with the murder of Ann Widdecombe following her death at her home in Haytor, Dartmoor, in July.
The Crown Prosecution Service announced the murder charge on 20 July. At that stage prosecutors said police enquiries into the defendant's alleged motives were continuing, including investigation of a potential political or terrorist connection.
The murder allegation is also unproven. The CPS has stressed that its decision to bring a charge is not a finding of guilt or a finding of fact.
Earlier Farage-linked investigation reopened
Counter-terrorism officers had previously reopened an investigation into an April 2025 incident at a property reported to be linked to Farage.
Police said in August that the original report had been treated as an attempted burglary and the investigation had subsequently been closed pending new lines of inquiry.
After the case was reopened, Counter Terrorism Policing London said it had identified a line of inquiry which had not been identified and pursued at the time and which may have been relevant. A mandatory conduct referral was made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct so that the handling of the original investigation could be reviewed.
The existence of that earlier investigation does not itself establish any criminal responsibility on Kerry's part. The new terrorism charge must be determined through the court process.
CPS warns proceedings are active
Frank Ferguson, Chief Crown Prosecutor of the CPS Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division, said prosecutors had carefully reviewed the evidence before deciding to prosecute Kerry for engaging in conduct in preparation of terrorist acts.
The CPS has specifically reminded the public and media that proceedings remain active and that Kerry has the right to a fair trial.
Nothing should be published which could prejudice those proceedings. Kerry is presumed innocent unless and until proved guilty in court.
Sources
- Crown Prosecution Service: CPS decides to charge Joshua Kerry with preparing terrorist acts — 2 October 2026
- Counter Terrorism Policing: Joshua Kerry charged with planning acts of terrorism — 2 October 2026
- Crown Prosecution Service: CPS charges man with murder following death of Ann Widdecombe — 20 July 2026