The suspect arrested in connection with the death of former Conservative MP Ann Widdecombe reportedly had newspaper clippings about Reform UK and its leader, Nigel Farage, displayed on the walls of his home. Joshua Kerry, 28, was detained at his residence in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, on suspicion of the murder of the 78-year-old former MP, who also served as a Reform UK spokesperson.
Searches of Kerry's home uncovered numerous articles concerning Reform UK and Farage. These findings are understood to have prompted counter-terrorism officers to take over the investigation, after initial inquiries by Devon and Cornwall Police found no evidence of a political motive for Widdecombe's killing.
Ann Widdecombe was found dead at her home in Dartmoor on the morning of July 9. Police believe she was killed the previous day around 12:30 p.m., approximately 30 minutes before she was scheduled to appear on a Channel 5 program. Footage emerged showing a man believed to be Kerry leaving his home earlier that morning, carrying what appeared to be a long object, and not returning until later that evening.
A source told The Sun that the clippings on the walls pertained to Reform UK, Farage, and the party's immigration policies, suggesting a "profound dislike of the party, its leader and its policies."
Kerry, one of three brothers, had reportedly become more reclusive since the death of his father last year. Neighbors described him as polite and quiet, noting he assisted them with tasks like taking out bins or holding onto parcels. He had stopped working after his father's passing.
Kerry was initially arrested on suspicion of murder on July 11. Armed officers were observed descending on his property. A neighbor recounted seeing officers approach the house and loudly knock on the door, after which Kerry opened it and was taken away.
He was subsequently re-arrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation, or instigation of acts of terrorism. Relatives expressed shock at his arrest, with one uncle stating he was "flabbergasted" and that his nephew had "spiralled" after his father's death from cancer. The Home Secretary confirmed that the arrested suspect was not known to Prevent, the UK's counter-extremism program.