The University of Aberdeen has launched an investigation into a member of staff who posted on social media that she hoped former politician Ann Widdecombe had suffered a painful death. Heather Herbert, a web developer at the Scottish university, made the comments on Bluesky after early news reports of Widdecombe's death emerged.
Herbert wrote: 'Some good news for once. I hope it was an extremely painful death.' She added: 'I hope she was handcuffed to the bed as she screamed in agony.' The posts, which have not been deleted, were made before police announced they were treating Widdecombe's death as murder.
Staffer's Response and University Reaction
After being approached for comment, Herbert told the Gaudie student newspaper: 'I don't want to see anyone murdered, but I'm still glad she is dead.' She added: 'I'm not a hypocrite. I posted that before the murder investigation was launched. I'm a nobody. I have no power to do anything. Ann Widdecombe was able to and made the lives of ordinary people hell.'
Aberdeen's Principal and Vice Chancellor, Professor Peter Edwards, said an investigation had been launched. He stated: 'Ann Widdecombe was a highly respected figure in both the Westminster and European parliaments. The University of Aberdeen does not tolerate violence or hateful behaviour in any form. We are aware of the incident and the concerns that have been raised and are looking into the matter as a priority.'
Official Statement and Further Developments
University bosses released a statement saying these views do not represent those of the institution and the comments are being reviewed 'as a priority'. The statement posted on Facebook read: '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.'
Aberdeen University rector Iona Fyfe added on social media she had received a significant number of emails about Herbert's remarks but highlighted she has no responsibility over the behaviour of staff.
Background on Ann Widdecombe's Death
Widdecombe, 78, was found suffering fatal injuries inside her remote Dartmoor home when she stopped answering text messages and didn't join a scheduled interview on Thursday. Police investigating the alleged murder of the Reform UK spokeswoman have said they 'are not looking for anyone else' after a 28-year-old man was arrested. Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman, of Devon and Cornwall Police, said a 28-year-old white British man was arrested on suspicion of murder in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, shortly after 9pm on Saturday with the support of Counter Terrorism Police.
