A man accused of murdering former Conservative minister Ann Widdecombe has also been charged with preparing acts of terror, with counter-terror police confirming the alleged targets included Reform UK leader Nigel Farage.

Joshua Kerry, 28, was charged on Friday with one count of preparation of terrorist acts. This charge stems from alleged activity that occurred between May 2024 and July 2026, according to Counter Terrorism Policing.

The fresh charge follows an earlier accusation in July, when Kerry was charged with the murder of 78-year-old Ann Widdecombe. Widdecombe, a former Conservative MP and Reform UK spokeswoman, was found dead at her home in Devon on July 9, having sustained serious injuries.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood stated that the new charge is "extremely concerning" and expressed her sympathies to Nigel Farage and his family. She emphasized that "an attack on anyone in politics is an attack on us all" and highlighted the need to review security for public figures.

Counter Terrorism Policing Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans described the charge as the result of a "hugely intensive and complex investigation." She noted that a dedicated team of detectives, analysts, and forensic experts worked on multiple lines of inquiry to bring the serious charge. Kerry, who is from Rotherham, is expected to appear in court on the terror charge on Wednesday.

Frank Ferguson of the Crown Prosecution Service's Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division confirmed that prosecutors collaborated closely with the police to secure the charge and will continue to do so as the investigation progresses.

Ann Widdecombe served as the Conservative MP for Maidstone in Kent for 23 years and held ministerial positions in the 1990s. After leaving Parliament, she gained further public recognition through appearances on television, including "Strictly Come Dancing," and later became a spokeswoman for Reform UK.

The case has raised significant questions regarding the security arrangements for individuals involved in public life and politics in the United Kingdom.