Widdecombe suspect charged with planning terror act against Farage

The man accused of murdering Ann Widdecombe has also been charged with preparing acts of terror including against Reform UK leader Nigel Farage.

Counter terror police said Joshua Kerry, 28, was charged on Friday with one count of preparation of terrorist acts.

The charge relates to activity which is alleged to have taken place between May 2024 and July 2026.

Kerry was charged in July with the murder of 78-year-old Widdecombe, a former Conservative minister and Reform UK spokeswoman.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said she knew the fresh charge would be "extremely concerning" and her "profound sympathies" were with Farage and his family.

"Let no one make any mistake: an attack on anyone in politics is an attack on us all.

"This case raises serious questions about the security of those in public life. We must use this as an opportunity to reset. Once parliament returns, I will update on our work to strengthen protections for those who choose to serve."

The BBC contacted Reform UK for comment and a party source said: "This is exactly why Nigel needed £5m to protect his security for life."