A self-described “queer environmental activist” triggered a heated on-air row by suggesting many people “won’t be grieving” the horrific death of former minister Ann Widdecombe. The extraordinary comment was made during a BBC Politics Live panel discussion following the murder of the 78-year-old Reform UK spokeswoman.
In the studio, Daze Aghaji told panellists the killing was “quite a sad way to go out” before launching into a pointed critique. Ms Aghaji said: “I’m a real believer that the values that we hold are the politics that we practice and I feel it would go amiss to not mention the fact that she pushed against LGBTQ+ rights throughout all of her career.”
Activist’s Remarks Spark Immediate Backlash
Ms Aghaji continued: “She also said a lot of things about the victims of Harvey Weinstein during MeToo – she said they chose it upon themselves – and she was vehemently anti-abortion… so I feel like even though what’s happened is absolutely awful, there are a lot of people who won’t be grieving this.” The remarks triggered immediate backlash, turning the segment into a tense exchange.
Conservative MP Nigel Huddleston confronted her directly, saying: “I’m quite uncomfortable sitting next to you after what you just said to be honest.” Labour MP Jess Asato also intervened to condemn Ms Aghaji’s remarks.
Broadcaster Condemns ‘Qualification’ of a Life
TalkTV host Patrick Christys, who shared the clip, described Ms Aghaji’s intervention as launching “into a statement about what a bad person she thought Ann was and says many people won’t grieve for her.” Writer and broadcaster Esther Krakue slammed the segment in a reaction clip: “Just look how the media has covered the death of a conservative politician. This is a queer environmental activist on the BBC saying that many people won’t grieve for her because of her politics. Murdered in her home at 78… I think that’s quite a sad way to go out. There should be no qualification of Ann Widdecombe – the value of Ann Widdecombe’s life.”
Widdecombe’s Death and Investigation
The row erupted against a backdrop of national shock. Ms Widdecombe, a formidable and often controversial figure known for her staunch socially conservative views, opposition to gay marriage, abortion, and climate alarmism, had recently served as Reform UK’s justice spokeswoman. The counter-terrorism police took over the investigation into Ms Widdecombe’s brutal death. The ex-Conservative minister was found with serious injuries at her remote home in Haytor, Dartmoor, Devon, last Thursday. A 28-year-old man from Rotherham has been re-arrested on suspicion of murder and terrorism-related offences.
Initially handled by Devon and Cornwall Police, who arrested and later released a 26-year-old local man while ruling out a political motive at the time, the probe has escalated. Counter Terrorism Policing South East is now leading after new evidence, including alleged CCTV footage of the suspect preparing for the journey south.
Tributes and Concerns Over Politician Safety
Nigel Farage called her an “extraordinary” and “remarkable, principled woman” who “would not have harmed a fly.” Neighbour Susan Coish told the BBC she was “devastated,” describing Ms Widdecombe as “a lovely lady” and “a character.” Prime Minister Keir Starmer described it as “shocking news,” while Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said she was “stunned” by the “horrific” incident. Ms Widdecombe’s death has reignited concerns about politician safety.
