Police are investigating a possible link between the suspect charged with Ann Widdecombe's murder and a firebombing attack on the home of Reform UK leader Nigel Farage. Joshua Kerry, 28, who was arrested last month in connection with Widdecombe’s killing, is now also being examined for involvement in the incendiary device incident targeting Farage’s residence.
The attack on Farage’s home involved an incendiary device being pushed through the letterbox. The investigation, initially handled by Devon and Cornwall Police, has since been taken over by counter-terrorism units within the Metropolitan Police Service. While police had initially ruled out a political motive in Widdecombe’s murder, counter-terrorism officers reopened inquiries after receiving new information.
On Friday, police confirmed they had resumed the investigation into the Farage firebombing but provided few details. The counter-terrorism unit has referred the matter to the Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC) for oversight. It is understood that authorities have informed Farage of the possible connection between Kerry and the attack. When asked about the link, Farage acknowledged it was directly related to Widdecombe’s murder but declined to elaborate further.
Kerry was first arrested on July 11 on suspicion of murder and was re-arrested two days later on suspicion related to terrorism offences. The Crown Prosecution Service has indicated he will face trial for murder, including potential political or terrorist motivations.
Farage has publicly disclosed the arson attack on his home, which occurred in early 2025 but was not widely reported at the time due to security concerns. He has criticised the government for significantly reducing his taxpayer-funded security protection—from full-time coverage down to a 75 percent cut in September 2024—despite his warnings that the threats against him had not diminished.
Following the reduction in official security, Farage opted to dismiss the scaled-back protection and instead arranged for private security at his own expense. He has described his role as one involving “huge dangers” and revealed he received a £5 million donation from British billionaire Christopher Harborne. Farage said the funds were intended to safeguard him permanently, explaining that attempts to secure Home Office support had been unsuccessful.
The donation has been subject to scrutiny by the Parliamentary Standards Commissioner and coincides with Farage’s recent decision to step down from Parliament, which triggered an upcoming by-election. Should Farage be re-elected, the investigation into the donation will continue and could potentially lead to suspension or another by-election if any rules are found to have been breached.
Farage has also referenced a similar arson attack on the London home of Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer in 2025, which resulted in the conviction of Ukrainian nationals, highlighting a broader context of politically charged violence against public figures.