Joshua Kerry, 28, from Rotherham, has been charged with one count of preparation of terrorist acts, including alleged plans against Reform UK leader Nigel Farage.
The charge was brought on Friday and concerns activity alleged to have taken place between May 2024 and July 2026. Kerry is already charged with the murder of Ann Widdecombe, the former Conservative minister and Reform UK spokeswoman, following her death in July.
Widdecombe, 78, was found dead at her home in Haytor, Devon, on Thursday 9 July. She had sustained serious injuries.
Kerry is due to appear in court on Wednesday over the terrorism charge, police said. The charge is an allegation that will have to be tested in court. The information released so far does not set out the specific acts allegedly prepared, the evidence supporting the allegation, or a motive.
The new allegation includes alleged plans directed at Farage, who leads Reform UK. Kerry therefore faces allegations concerning both Widdecombe's death and the preparation of terrorist acts involving prominent political figures.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the fresh charge would be 'extremely concerning'. Vicki Evans, Counter Terrorism Policing's Deputy Assistant Commissioner, described the investigation as 'hugely intensive and complex'.
Widdecombe had been a prominent figure in British political and public life. She served as Conservative MP for Maidstone in Kent for 23 years and held ministerial roles in Sir John Major's government in the 1990s.
After leaving the Commons, Widdecombe appeared on the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing. She later became a spokeswoman for Reform UK.
The murder charge and the terrorism charge remain separate allegations against Kerry. The court proceedings will determine how the terrorism case is dealt with, while the circumstances of Widdecombe's death and the alleged plans involving Farage remain matters for the legal process.
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