Heather Herbert, a 50-year-old web developer at Aberdeen University, has been charged by police in connection with social media posts allegedly wishing Ann Widdecombe an extremely painful death. The posts, made on Bluesky, were published before it emerged that Ms Widdecombe's death was being investigated as murder.
Details of the Alleged Posts
Herbert is accused of posting that it was good news the former Cabinet Minister had died, adding she hoped Widdecombe was handcuffed to the bed as she screamed in agony. The posts were allegedly made last week, prior to the announcement that Widdecombe's death at her Dartmoor home was being treated as murder.
Police Scotland initially said the comments contained no criminality but later announced on Thursday that Herbert had been charged. A police spokesman stated: 'We received reports on Saturday 11 July 2026 relating to a post made online. Following further assessment, a 50-year-old has been arrested and charged in connection. A report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal.'
University and Political Reactions
Aberdeen University, where Herbert works, is investigating the comments. Principal and Vice Chancellor Professor Peter Edwards said the university has a zero-tolerance approach to violence or hateful behaviour and assured the comments were being investigated as a priority. A spokesman added: 'The comments that have been shared are entirely the individual’s own and do not represent the views of the university. We do not condone violence or hateful behaviour in any form.'
The Scottish Greens are also reportedly looking into the comments. Herbert joined the Scottish Greens in late 2021 after previously being a member of Scottish Labour.
Background on Ann Widdecombe's Death
Ann Widdecombe, 78, was found dead in her home in Haytor, Devon, last Thursday. She is believed to have lain dead in her cottage’s kitchen for 24 hours before discovery. A 28-year-old suspect from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, was arrested on suspicion of murder on Saturday and remains in custody. He was re-arrested on Monday on suspicion of commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism, allowing police to hold him for up to seven days without charge.
Tributes from Political Figures
The Police Scotland announcement came hours after former Prime Minister Liz Truss broke down in tears on stage while leading a tribute to Widdecombe at the Conservative Political Action Conference GB in London. Truss said: 'Before we start on this conference, I'd like to take time to pay our respects to the late Ann Widdecombe, who was brutally murdered in her home last week. She was a deeply principled politician who stood for the very values we are fighting for at CPAC: free speech, patriotism and the family. She was courageous and fearless in standing up to the leftist drift we have seen in Britain.'
