The BBC has faced a fierce backlash after a guest on its Politics Live programme made what viewers described as a 'sickening' remark about Ann Widdecombe, just days after the former Conservative minister and Reform UK spokeswoman was found dead at her home in Devon on July 8. The 78-year-old politician sustained serious injuries, and counter-terrorism police are now leading the investigation after 'new information and evidence' emerged.
Controversial Comments on Politics Live
During Monday's edition of Politics Live, host Vicki Young was joined by Labour MP Jess Asato, Conservative Shadow Culture Secretary Nigel Huddleston, and environmental activist Daze Aghaji. The panel discussed Widdecombe's death, with both Labour and Conservative MPs paying tribute. However, Aghaji, a former Big Brother contestant, described Widdecombe's death as 'awful' and a 'sad way to go out,' but added that 'there is a lot of controversy over how she lived her political life.'
Aghaji stated: 'I'm a real believer that the values that we hold are the politics that we practise. I think it would go amiss to not mention that she pushed against the LGBTQ rights throughout her career.' She also claimed Widdecombe had been dismissive of the MeToo movement and was 'vehemently anti-abortion.' Concluding, Aghaji said: 'Even though what's happened is absolutely awful, there are a lot of people who won't be grieving this.'
Conservative MP Responds
Nigel Huddleston hit back at Aghaji's comments, saying: 'I'm a bit shocked to hear that and I think it's totally inappropriate. I think you will regret what you just said there.' He later expressed discomfort sitting beside her following the remarks. The exchange sparked uproar on social media, with viewers sharing their fury. One wrote: 'Outrageous to show this on the BBC in the aftermath of Ann's death. Truly sickening. Zero class.' Another echoed: '#Politics live. How disrespectful.'
Investigation Update
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood confirmed in the House of Commons on Monday that the suspect was not known to the government's Prevent anti-terror scheme. The suspect was arrested at about 21:00 on Saturday following a manhunt. Initially, Devon and Cornwall Police said there was 'nothing to suggest' the murder was politically motivated, but the case has since been taken over by counter-terrorism police.
