Police investigate Widdecombe suspect over Farage arson attempt

Police are investigating whether Joshua Kerry, 28, who has been charged with the murder of former Tory minister Ann Widdecombe, may also be linked to an alleged firebomb attack at Nigel Farage's home in early 2025. The potential connection emerged after counter-terrorism police reopened the investigation into the incident at Farage's south London residence.

Farage had previously told The Telegraph that a lit incendiary device was pushed through his letterbox in what he described as an "outright arson attempt." At the time, the Metropolitan Police and Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) London investigated the incident as an "attempted burglary," but no arrests were made, and the case was closed. However, the inquiry was reopened on Friday, with CTP London identifying a new line of inquiry that may have been relevant but was not pursued initially.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct is now investigating the conduct of a CTP London staff member following an allegation that the employee failed to identify and pursue this crucial line of inquiry. Nigel Farage commented on the development, stating, "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, and I’m afraid I just can’t tell you any more than that at this stage."

Ann Widdecombe, a former Conservative minister and Reform UK spokeswoman, was found dead at her home in Devon last month. Joshua Kerry has been charged with her murder. The reopening of the investigation into the Farage incident suggests a potential significant development in both cases.

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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, and I’m afraid I just can’t tell you any more than that at this stage.