Mail on Sunday commentator Dan Hodges has been heavily criticised by TalkTV viewers after he accused Reform UK of using Ann Widdecombe's murder to divert attention from the £5 million donation Nigel Farage received from party donor Christopher Harborne. The Reform UK leader has been referred to parliament's standards watchdog for failing to declare the gift, which he received shortly before announcing his candidacy for the 2024 general election.
Hodges' Controversial Remarks
Speaking to Jeremy Kyle on TalkTV, Hodges said: "I haven't got an agenda against Reform because I criticise all politicians. I'm simply saying what is happening. Reform are using this to try and shut down discourse about the £5 million." He added that Isabel Oakeshott's claim that such discussions create an environment where politicians are stigmatised and attacked is "a tactic that we traditionally see on the left."
Hodges' comments sparked immediate backlash on social media. One viewer wrote on X: "He's been stirring the pot trying to provoke a response for days because of his fear and hatred of Farage, and then thinks he can be admonished by blaming others... I've never seen a journalist make such a fool of themselves, repeatedly, like Hodges."
Public Outrage
Another viewer expressed disappointment: "So disappointed in Dan... Ann's murder was inconvenient for left wing so-called journalists' co-ordinated attack of Farage & Reform so they smeared, accused & attacked him throughout." A third posted: "Dan's true colours are shining through in this horrible period in British politics - tone it down son."
A fourth critic shared: "So this morning on TalkTV Dan criticised Reform leaders but he also extended criticism to Reform supporters which I find deplorable. Why mention 'supporters', he just branded millions as using poor Ann's murder for political gain." Someone else questioned: "Really. So should they have just keep quiet about a far left terror murder then?"
Background of the Case
Ann Widdecombe, 78, was found dead at her home in Haytor, Dartmoor at around 11:40am on Thursday, July 9, having sustained serious injuries. 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 home with a "wooden stick" on the morning of her death.
Counter terrorism police are now leading the investigation into the Reform UK spokesperson's death after "new information and evidence has come to light."
