The Socialist Workers Party (SWP) has been widely condemned after posting “Hurrah! She’s dead!” in response to the death of Ann Widdecombe. The former Conservative minister and Reform UK spokeswoman, aged 78, was discovered at her Devon home on Thursday. Police are investigating after reports of a serious head wound in a suspected murder.
Political Tributes and Reactions
Tributes have poured in from across the political spectrum. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage praised her “decisive role” in delivering Brexit, while senior Conservatives described her as a “formidable” and “feisty” parliamentarian. Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed shock at the “awful” circumstances of her death.
The SWP’s now-deleted post, which reportedly played on her appearance on Strictly Come Dancing, triggered immediate outrage. On LBC, presenter Iain Dale, a friend of Ms Widdecombe’s, expressed disbelief: “What on earth goes through people’s minds?” He noted the party had since removed the tweet but highlighted a pattern of celebratory reactions from elements of the hard left.
Criticism and Apologies
Critics accused the far-left group of descending into ghoulish partisanship. The response has been described as “vile” and “monstrous” on social media and in commentary, with many arguing that political disagreement should never extend to rejoicing in violent death.
The controversy deepened with remarks from veteran gay rights campaigner Peter Tatchell, who posted calling Ms Widdecombe a “BIGOT”. He has since deleted the message and issued an apology, stating: “I apologise for my insensitive comments about Ann Widdecombe’s death. Nobody deserves to die, no matter what they believe in.”
Ann Widdecombe's Career
Ms Widdecombe served as a Conservative MP for Maidstone for 23 years, holding ministerial roles in the Major government covering social security, employment, and prisons. She later became an MEP for the Brexit Party and joined Reform UK in 2023 as its immigration and justice spokeswoman.
Her career was marked by strong social conservatism. She opposed the legalisation of abortion, resisted aspects of LGBT rights reforms, and defended traditional family values rooted in her Catholic faith. These positions made her a hate figure for some on the left but earned her a loyal following among those who valued plain-speaking politicians. Her later television appearances, including Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother, broadened her public profile beyond Westminster.
Police Investigation
Devon and Cornwall Police have appealed for information, stating they are pursuing a suspect and do not currently treat the incident as terrorism-related. Police have issued a major update on the murder investigation, pinpointing the attack time and seeking a 'mystery hiker' seen at her home in the middle of the night.
Broader Political Discourse
The episode has reignited debates about the coarsening of political discourse in Britain, particularly online. While free speech advocates defend the right to criticise public figures, many have drawn a line at exulting in murder. The SWP has not issued a public statement addressing the backlash at the time of writing.
Ms Widdecombe’s friends and colleagues remember her as a woman of deep conviction who never shied away from debate. Her death, under such violent circumstances, has left a void in right-leaning politics and prompted soul-searching about basic human decency in an era of polarised tribalism. Express.co.uk has contacted the SWP for comment.
