The University of Aberdeen is investigating web developer Heather Herbert after he posted online that the death of former Tory MP Ann Widdecombe was 'good news' and expressed hope she suffered an 'extremely painful death'. The controversy deepened when a video emerged showing Herbert in conversation with a friend who said those who do not 'show love' to trans people should be 'shown bullets'.
The video, originally broadcast in May 2026 on YouTube channel 'The Polycule', was highlighted by feminist group Women Won't Wheesht on social media platform X. In the video, Herbert, a trans-identified male, speaks with Poppybear Hackett, another trans-identified male. At the end of their discussion, Hackett says: 'What the f*** does it matter what the colour of your skin is, what your sexual orientation is? Why don't we all just show some love and if people don't show love show bullets.'
Women Won't Wheesht tweeted: 'They're scary, frightening men who get a kick out of terrifying women!'
University and Police Investigations
On Monday, the University of Aberdeen announced it was reviewing the matter as a priority. 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.'
Police Scotland also confirmed they are investigating. A spokesperson said: 'We received reports on Saturday, July 11 relating to a post made online. Following further assessment, additional enquiries are being carried out.' The Scottish Greens, for whom Herbert was a candidate, are also probing the matter.
For Women Scotland Condemns 'Extreme Views'
Susan Smith, director of For Women Scotland, said the group has compiled a dossier of shocking statements made by Herbert and other members of the 'Polycule' community. She said: 'What we have seen most recently is one member of this polycule taking gratification out of the dreadful death of a former MP, an elderly woman. Herbert has glorified in the violence and made no apology.'
Smith added: 'The words used chime with the language in the earlier video, which was well noted by us when it was produced. The reference then was to 'show bullets' to people who don't agree with them. The big problem here is that these are not just words. They are broadcasting suggestions to people online and we know that these suggestions can be acted on by people who may not be of sound mind.'
According to Smith, the dossier includes statements from Sophie Molly, Herbert's partner, who said in a video: 'They are extreme bigots and they are the groups that should be proscribed. They are the terrorists. For Women Scotland is a terrorist organization.' Molly also claimed: 'For Women Scotland are terrorists and child abusers. Like the number of children they have abused recently is unreal.'
Smith said the dossier is being kept as a 'marker' in case any harm comes to FWS members. She said: 'I would hate, in the event that something happened to a member of our organisation, that our loved ones would have to listen or be confronted with this sort of bile.'
Widdecombe's Death and Aftermath
Ann Widdecombe, 78, was found dead on Thursday at her home in Haytor, Devon, having sustained serious injuries. A 28-year-old white British man has been arrested, and counter-terrorism police are investigating. Widdecombe served as Conservative MP for Maidstone for 23 years, held ministerial roles in John Major's government, and later appeared on Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother. She also served as a Brexit Party MEP.
Scottish business guru Marie Macklin condemned the 'bullets' comment on Twitter, writing: 'This is outrageous. This is toxic and went too far. I fear for our young people. Surely any decent person can see and hear this is dangerous rhetoric.'
The Daily Record contacted Sophie Molly for comment, who replied only 'no comment'. On BlueSky, Molly stated: 'Looks like other people are expressing their article 10 human right to freedom of expression and folk are not happy. Right wingers preach for their right to say whatever they want, inc extremely grotesque and bigoted statements about minorities, but never wish to extend that right to their target.'
