Counter-terrorism investigators looking into the death of former Conservative minister Ann Widdecombe have reopened a case concerning an attempted burglary at a London address that occurred in April 2025. While the initial investigation into the incident was closed without any arrests, authorities now state that a specific line of inquiry was not adequately pursued at the time.
The understands that the property involved in the reported incident is the south London home of Reform UK leader Nigel Farage. Farage previously described the event as a lit incendiary device being pushed through his letterbox, though police noted at the time that while a door sustained damage, nothing was stolen.
In connection with this development, Counter Terrorism Policing London has submitted a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) regarding its handling of the original investigation. The police watchdog confirmed it is now independently investigating the conduct of a staff member accused of failing to identify or follow up on a line of inquiry related to the April 2025 report.
An IOPC spokesperson stated that the investigation into the staff member is in its early stages, and the force has been formally notified of the decision. The Metropolitan Police and Counter Terrorism Policing London had both been involved in the initial response to the burglary report.
These developments coincide with the ongoing investigation into the death of 78-year-old Ann Widdecombe, who was discovered at her Devon home last month suffering from serious injuries. Widdecombe, a former MP for Maidstone who served in Sir John Major’s government during the 1990s, was a prominent Reform UK spokeswoman.
Joshua Kerry, a resident of Rotherham in South Yorkshire, has been charged with her murder. Kerry was first taken into custody on 11 July on suspicion of murder, and was subsequently arrested on 13 July on suspicion of the commission, preparation, or instigation of acts of terrorism.
The reopening of the burglary inquiry marks a significant shift in the broader investigation, as authorities continue to examine evidence linked to the circumstances surrounding the death of the veteran politician.
“The conduct relates to an allegation the individual failed to identify and pursue a line of enquiry relating to an attempted burglary reported in April 2025.
Widdecombe had served as Tory MP for Maidstone in Kent for 23 years and was appointed to ministerial roles in Sir John Major’s government in the 1990s.
