Kerry, 28, was detained at his home in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, on suspicion of killing the 78-year-old former MP at her Devon home last month, while investigators have also reopened an inquiry into an incident at the Reform UK leader’s south London property last year.
Counter-Terrorism Police Reopen Inquiry Into Nigel Farage Home Incident
Counter-terrorism police reopened the inquiry into an incident at Nigel Farage’s south London home on Friday, according to CTP London. The Reform UK leader stated in April that a lit incendiary device was pushed through his letterbox in early 2025 in what he described as an “outright arson attempt” when he was not home. The Metropolitan Police and Counter Terrorism Policing London initially investigated the event as an “attempted burglary,” but no arrests were made and the case was closed. CTP London has now identified a line of inquiry that may have been relevant but was not pursued at the time.
Police Watchdog Investigates CTP London Staff Member Conduct
The Independent Office for Police Conduct is investigating the conduct of a CTP London staff member following allegations that the employee failed to identify and pursue a relevant line of inquiry regarding the incident at Nigel Farage’s home. At a press conference, Farage stated that counter-terrorism authorities made mistakes, prompting them to refer themselves to the IOPC. Farage described the self-referral as an unprecedented move that is directly linked to the murder of Ann Widdecombe. Devon and Cornwall Police originally stated they found no evidence that Miss Widdecombe’s killing was politically motivated, prior to counter-terrorism officers taking over the investigation.
Suspect’s Rotherham Home Searched for Reform UK Materials
Police searching Joshua Kerry’s council house in Rotherham discovered newspaper clippings about Reform UK and Nigel Farage pinned to the walls, according to reports by the Daily Mail and The Sun. A source told The Sun that the articles focused on the party, Farage, and its immigration policies, suggesting a profound dislike for the party and its leadership. Neighbours described Kerry as quiet and shy following the death of his father from cancer last year, after which he stopped working. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood told the House of Commons that the suspect was not known to Prevent, the UK anti-extremism programme.
Did you know?
Ann Widdecombe served as a Conservative Member of Parliament from 1987 to 2010 and later as a Member of the European Parliament for the Brexit Party before becoming a spokesperson for Reform UK.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has been charged in connection with the death of Ann Widdecombe?
Joshua Kerry, 28, has been charged with the murder of former Tory minister and Reform UK spokeswoman Ann Widdecombe at her home in Devon.
What is the connection being investigated regarding Nigel Farage?
Counter-terrorism police are investigating whether Kerry is linked to an alleged firebomb attack involving a lit incendiary device pushed through the letterbox of Nigel Farage’s south London home last year.
Why is the Independent Office for Police Conduct involved?
The IOPC is investigating the conduct of a CTP London staff member following an allegation that the employee failed to identify and pursue a relevant line of inquiry during the initial investigation into the incident at Farage’s home.
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