Former Sky News presenter Adam Boulton has been criticised for comments he made about Ann Widdecombe's private life following news of her death. Her death was announced on Friday morning. Devon and Cornwall Police later confirmed that a murder investigation has been launched after Widdecombe's 'suspicious death.' The former Conservative MP and Brexit Party MEP died aged 78 after being found with 'sustained serious injuries' by emergency services at approximately 11:40am at her home in Haytor, Dartmoor. A man has been arrested on suspicion of her murder, police have now said. Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman said that a 26-year-old white British man was arrested on Friday afternoon on suspicion of Widdecombe's murder.
Boulton's Controversial Remarks
Speaking about Widdecombe's decision never to marry or have children, Boulton described her as a 'spinster' and said she could be considered an 'old maid' later in life. The 67-year-old Times Radio presenter told Sky News: 'She was very much a spinster. By the end, I think you'd probably describe her as an old maid.' Reportedly, she claimed that she was a virgin. She had a relationship at university; she went to Oxford University, into an all-women's college, of course, where people like Edwina Currie knew her as well. 'She had a chaste but doomed relationship with a man, who is now a banker, and really, from that point on, she was not interested in having personal relationships and very much dedicated herself to her activities.'
Public Backlash
Following Boulton's TV appearance, many took to social media to express their outrage, accusing the broadcaster of making 'disrespectful' and 'misogynistic' comments about the late Ann Widdecombe. Columnist Madeline Grant wrote on X (formerly Twitter): 'Adam Boulton talking mean-spiritedly about Ann Widdecombe in front of what looks like a picture of himself. He describes her – a possible murder victim – as a 'spinster', a 'battleaxe', 'a bruiser', an 'old maid', and mentions her virginity, before speculating irresponsibly about her death. Horrible, horrible stuff.' Someone else wrote: 'Disgraceful scenes on Sky News as a smirking Adam Boulton rants about Ann Widdecombe as a “spinster,” an “old maid” and a “virgin” while speculating about her private life.' Another added: 'Sky News have just had Adam Boulton on to talk about Ann Widdecombe and for some bizarre reason he said she was an old maid and a virgin. I find that really inappropriate and disrespectful.'
Widdecombe's Public Image
Boulton went on to discuss Widdecombe's television career, including her appearances on shows such as Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother, saying she had embraced the public image that developed around her. He said: 'There weren't that many battling old ladies around. She knew that the joke was partly on her, but she was very happy to play up to that, for the attention it gave her.'
