The University of Aberdeen has launched an investigation after a member of staff posted comments on social media expressing hope that former Conservative minister Ann Widdecombe experienced an 'extremely painful death'.
Heather Herbert, a former Scottish Green election candidate who works at the university as a web developer, wrote on Bluesky that the Reform UK politician's death was 'some good news for once' before later adding: 'And I hope she was handcuffed to the bed as she screamed in agony.'
Widdecombe, 78, was found dead at her home in Dartmoor on Thursday, July 9, after suffering serious injuries. A 28-year-old man was later arrested in Rotherham on suspicion of murder.
University Response
In a statement issued on Sunday, the University of Aberdeen said it was treating the matter as a priority, following public outcry over the controversial comments.
A spokesperson said: 'The university is aware of social media posts made by a member of staff regarding the death of Ann Widdecombe and is reviewing this as a matter of priority. The comments that have been shared are entirely the individual's own and do not represent the views of the University of Aberdeen. Complaints into any member of staff are handled confidentially through our established processes.'
The university's rector, Iona Fyfe, also condemned the posts, saying complaints would be dealt with through the appropriate procedures. In a statement on X, she wrote: 'I have been made aware of criticism regarding comments made by a member of the university staff. I have received a significant volume of emails regarding this to my Rector email. Please note, as Rector, it is not my responsibility to oversee complaints regarding the behaviour of staff. This will go through correct and proper complaints procedure. The university is aware of the comments being referred to online and are looking into the matter. There is no further comment right now, only that in my personal capacity, I'd like to condemn any comments which glorifies violence of any sort, against anyone.'
Police Assessment
Police Scotland confirmed it had assessed reports relating to the social media posts but found no evidence of any criminal offence. A spokesperson said: 'We have received reports relating to a post made online. The information has been assessed and no criminality has been established.'
Background on Ann Widdecombe
Miss Widdecombe, who was 78, was first elected a Conservative MP in Kent in 1987, and held several ministerial positions in Sir John Major's government. She also found fame outside politics after starring in Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother. She became a member of Mr Farage's Brexit Party in 2019 and served as an MEP representing South West England in Brussels between 2019 and 2020. She later became immigration and justice spokeswoman for Mr Farage's Reform UK and remained active in the media – she appeared on TalkTV on Wednesday, the day before she was found dead. Miss Widdecombe was also due to be a guest on Channel 5's Matt Allwright show on Wednesday afternoon, but did not appear.
