Joshua Kerry charged with Ann Widdecombe murder, linked to Farage firebomb attack

Joshua Kerry, 28, has been charged with the murder of former Conservative MP and Reform UK spokeswoman Ann Widdecombe. The incident occurred at her home in Devon last month. Counter-terrorism police are now investigating whether Kerry is connected to a separate firebomb attack at Nigel Farage’s south London home in early 2025.

Firebomb attack at Farage’s home

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Farage revealed in April that an incendiary device was pushed through the letterbox of his south London home in an apparent arson attempt. He was not present at the time. The Metropolitan Police initially investigated the incident as an "attempted burglary" but made no arrests and closed the case pending new evidence.

Counter Terrorism Policing London reopened the inquiry on Friday after identifying a line of inquiry that was not pursued during the original investigation. A spokesperson confirmed that the potential lead "may have been relevant" but was overlooked at the time. The Independent Office for Police Conduct has since launched an investigation into the conduct of a CTP London staff member.

Clearly counter-terrorism made some mistakes, which is why they referred themselves to the Independent Office of Police Conduct. I understand this is a completely unprecedented move, and yes, this is directly linked to the murder of Ann Widdecombe.

Nigel Farage, Reform UK leader

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IOPC investigation into police conduct

The IOPC is examining allegations that a CTP London employee failed to identify and pursue a line of inquiry in the Farage case. Farage described the referral as "completely unprecedented" during a press conference on Monday. He declined to provide further details, citing ongoing investigations.

The Metropolitan Police and Counter Terrorism Policing London have not disclosed the nature of the newly identified line of inquiry. It is unclear whether Kerry was known to police prior to Widdecombe’s murder or the firebomb incident.

What happens next

Kerry remains in custody following his charge for Widdecombe’s murder. Counter-terrorism police will continue their investigation into the firebomb attack at Farage’s home. The IOPC’s probe into the CTP London staff member’s conduct is expected to take several months. No timeline has been provided for when further details may emerge.