Good Morning Britain star Narinder Kaur has sparked widespread backlash after accusing Reform UK leader Nigel Farage of using Ann Widdecombe's death as "political propaganda." The former Conservative minister and Reform UK spokesperson, 78, was found dead in her home in Haytor, Dartmoor on Thursday, July 9, having sustained serious injuries. Police have launched a murder investigation and arrested a 28-year-old man on suspicion of her murder.
Farage's Floral Tribute Draws Criticism
On Sunday, July 12, Farage was photographed laying flowers at Dartmoor National Park, near Widdecombe's home. Other Reform members, including Richard Tice, Zia Yusuf, Lee Anderson, and Danny Kruger, also laid floral tributes. However, Kaur, a former GMB panelist, described the act as "deeply inappropriate" on X, sharing a video of Farage laying flowers and writing: "This feels deeply inappropriate. There is a line between paying respects and staging a political moment."
Social Media Backlash Against Kaur
Many users criticized Kaur, with one asking: "Would you say the same if it was Burnham?" Kaur insisted she would, adding: "It just feels off." Another user fumed: "Give over fgs. There was loads of press there. Expect they all want the shot etc and had to wait for all to be ready. If he hadn't laid or been there you'd be all over that. Every day blah blah blah. Choose someone else, she was his friend also." A third echoed: "You have no respect for yourself so don't dare condemn others. It's not your business, nothing to do with you or me or anyone other than her dear friends and family. STOP being so hateful just for once."
Accusations of Hypocrisy
Accusing Kaur of bias, another user said: "So you said the same when Jo Cox was tragically murdered and Labour MP’s showed their respect by laying flowers? Your hypocrisy is just beyond words." However, some agreed with Kaur, with one commenting: "Is there anything this man will not weaponise for political gain? Utterly repulsive performative b****cks." Another said: "You can almost hear the camera operator say 'action.'"
Murder Investigation Update
On Saturday, July 11, police announced that a 28-year-old white British man had been arrested on suspicion of murder in Rotherham, South Yorkshire. The man is believed to have driven almost 300 miles to Widdecombe's Dartmoor home with a "wooden stick" on the morning of her death. Police are still piecing together the events leading up to the murder.
