The man accused of murdering the former MP Ann Widdecombe has appeared in court charged with preparing acts of terrorism, including allegedly trying to break into the home of Reform UK leader Nigel Farage.

Joshua Kerry, 28, from Rotherham, appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Wednesday. He was remanded in custody and will appear at the Old Bailey on Friday.

He faces a new charge of preparing terrorist acts between 31 May 2024 and 8 July 2026 by carrying out research on targets and travelling to, and attempting to gain entry to, Mr Farage's home.

Allegations in court

Prosecutor Kashif Malik told the court that Mr Kerry is alleged to have carried out online reconnaissance of prominent people and institutions, including identifying the home address of Nigel Farage.

Mr Malik said damage was found on the doorframe at Mr Farage's home. The inference, he told the court, is that an attempt was made to gain entry to the house.

The court heard that in April 2025 Mr Farage's partner discovered damage to the main front door of their home, and a bottle of lighter fluid was found in the porch.

Mr Kerry was accompanied in the dock by four custody officers. With a thick beard and wearing a grey sweatshirt and trousers, he spoke only to confirm his address and date of birth. He did not enter a plea.

The Widdecombe case

Mr Kerry was charged in July with the murder of Ann Widdecombe, 78, a former Conservative minister who later became a spokeswoman for Reform UK.

Ms Widdecombe was found dead on 9 July at her home in Haytor, Devon, having suffered serious injuries. Her death shocked politicians across the parties and led to tributes from Westminster and beyond.

She served as the Conservative MP for Maidstone and the Weald in Kent for 23 years and held ministerial roles in Sir John Major's government. She was known for her forthright views, her work as a novelist and a later career in television, including an appearance on Strictly Come Dancing.

After leaving Parliament she was elected as a Brexit Party member of the European Parliament and later joined Reform UK, where she acted as a spokeswoman.

Security of politicians

The new charge raises fresh questions about the safety of elected representatives and public figures in the UK. Two MPs, Jo Cox and Sir David Amess, have been killed in the past decade, and politicians of all parties have reported a rise in threats and abuse.

Parliamentary authorities and police have expanded security arrangements for MPs in recent years, including protection at constituency offices and homes. The allegation that a prominent party leader's house was targeted is likely to prompt renewed scrutiny of those measures.

Mr Farage, the MP for Clacton, has spoken previously about threats he has received. Reform UK has not been reported as commenting in detail on the court hearing.

The legal process

Preparation of terrorist acts is an offence under the Terrorism Act 2006. It covers conduct carried out with the intention of committing acts of terrorism or assisting others to do so, and carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

Because criminal proceedings are active, reporting is restricted to what has been said in court. Mr Kerry has not been convicted of any offence and is entitled to a fair trial on both charges.

The case will now move to the Old Bailey, the Central Criminal Court in London, where serious terrorism and murder cases are heard. A timetable for any trial is expected to be set in the coming months.

The hearing marks a significant development in a case that has already gripped the country. The allegations now link the killing of a former minister to an alleged wider campaign against prominent figures, which prosecutors will have to prove before a jury.