Man Charged in Ann Widdecombe Murder, Nigel Farage Targeting Fueled by Extreme Left-Wing Ideology, Court Hears
Prosecutors allege a politically and ideologically motivated murder and terrorism offense.
A man charged with the murder of Reform UK figure Ann Widdecombe and subsequently with a terrorism offense targeting Nigel Farage was driven by an extreme left-wing mindset and hostility towards the Reform party, a court heard Friday.
Joshua Kerry, 28, appeared in court facing charges related to the July 8 death of Widdecombe, a former Member of Parliament and prominent figure in Nigel Farage's Reform UK party. Prosecutors stated that Widdecombe was repeatedly struck on the head with a hammer at her home in Devon.
Kerry, who hails from Rotherham in South Yorkshire, was also charged with engaging in conduct in preparation of terrorist acts between May 2024 and July 2026. Authorities allege he conducted research on prominent individuals and attempted to gain entry to Nigel Farage's residence.
Prosecutor Jonathan Polnay informed the court that Kerry possessed an "extreme left-wing and/or an anti-establishment mindset" and harbored "particularly hostility towards Reform." Polnay added that Kerry had compiled a list containing the names of politicians and prominent figures, including Farage and Widdecombe, though no other names were disclosed.
Prosecutors intend to argue that Widdecombe's murder "has a terrorist connection – we say it was politically and ideologically motivated."
Kerry appeared in court via video link from Belmarsh prison. He did not enter any pleas and was remanded in custody until his next hearing in January.
