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Prosecutors allege Widdecombe murder suspect was hostile toward Reform party

Joshua Kerry, charged with murdering Ann Widdecombe and preparing terrorist acts, is due at trial 8 June next year.

Updated Oct 9, 2026 · 16:13 UTC3 reports

The short version

  • Prosecutors allege Joshua Kerry held an extreme left-wing or anti-establishment mindset and hostility toward Reform.[BBC News]
  • Prosecutors say the murder of Ann Widdecombe had a terrorist connection, and Kerry faces a second charge of preparing terrorist acts.[BBC News]
  • The judge agreed to join the charges into one case, and the defence said Kerry is likely to contest all of them.[BBC News]
  • A five-week trial is set for 8 June next year, and the next hearing is on 29 January.[BBC News · ABC News]

Key facts

  • Prosecutors allege Joshua Kerry held an extreme left-wing or anti-establishment mindset and hostility toward Reform.[BBC News]
  • Prosecutors told the Old Bailey that the murder of Ann Widdecombe was linked to terrorism because they say it was politically and ideologically motivated.[BBC News]
  • Kerry was charged in July with murdering 78-year-old Ann Widdecombe, a former Conservative minister and Reform spokeswoman.[BBC News]
  • Kerry was later charged with a second offence of preparing terrorist acts, and he is accused of online reconnaissance and of travelling to Nigel Farage's South London home on 19 April 2025.[BBC News]
  • A judge agreed to join the murder and terrorism charges into one case.[BBC News]
  • The judge set a five-week trial to begin on 8 June next year.[BBC News · ABC News]
  • The next hearing is scheduled for 29 January.[BBC News]
  • Defence lawyer Nicholas Lumley KC told the court that Kerry was likely to contest all the charges.[BBC News]

What remains uncertain

  • Reports differ on the date Widdecombe was found dead, with the BBC saying 9 July and ABC and AP saying 8 July.[Associated Press · BBC News · ABC News]
  • The terrorism-related motive and other allegations are prosecution claims that have not been tested at trial, and the defence is likely to contest them.[BBC News]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.