UK Terror Plot Suspect Motivated by 'Extreme Left-Wing' Views, Prosecutor Says
The man charged in connection with the alleged murder of an MP and a terror plot against Nigel Farage is said to have held anti-establishment sentiments.
A prosecutor stated that the man accused of plotting a terror attack against Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and the murder of former lawmaker Ann Widdecombe was driven by "extreme left-wing" views. Jonathan Polnay, the prosecuting attorney, told London’s Central Criminal Court that the alleged crimes against Widdecombe and an earlier attempt to break into Farage’s home are "inextricably linked" and have a "terrorist connection."
During a pretrial hearing, Polnay informed the court that Joshua Kerry, 28, had spent two years researching the addresses of politicians including Farage and Widdecombe. He added that Kerry possessed an "extreme left-wing and/or anti-establishment mindset" and was "particularly hostile" toward Reform UK.
Kerry, who appeared remotely from Belmarsh high-security prison, has not yet entered a plea. His defense lawyer indicated that Kerry is expected to contest all charges. A trial date has been set for June 8 of next year.
Kerry was apprehended in July and subsequently charged with the murder of 78-year-old Widdecombe. Prosecutors allege that on July 8, Kerry traveled from his home in northern England to Widdecombe's rural house in southwest England and attacked her with a hammer while she was eating lunch. Widdecombe, a former Conservative Member of Parliament and government minister, had joined Reform UK and was known for her socially conservative stances.
Following Widdecombe's death, counterterrorism police reinvestigated an alleged firebomb and break-in attempt at Farage's south London home in April 2025. Prosecutors claim Kerry's DNA was found on a bottle of lighter fluid left at the scene, and the door was damaged by a knife. Last week, Kerry was charged with preparing terrorist acts, including against Farage, between May 2024 and the date of Widdecombe's murder.
The killing of Widdecombe has brought renewed attention to the security of politicians in the UK, which has been enhanced in recent years following the murders of two lawmakers. Jo Cox, a Labour legislator, was shot and stabbed in 2016 by an extremist with far-right views. In 2021, Conservative MP David Amess was stabbed by an attacker reportedly inspired by the Islamic State group.