Broadcaster Andrew Neil has called for the resignation of Labour Minister for Safeguarding Women Against Violence, Natalie Fleet, after she deleted a controversial online comment following the murder of former MP Ann Widdecombe. The 42-year-old MP for Bolsover initially posted on X, saying she was "sick of the faux outrage" from "Nigel Farage & his gang of bin men" demanding security. She claimed none of them cared when death threats were shared against her. The comment was swiftly deleted, and Fleet issued an apology, stating her thoughts were with Widdecombe's loved ones.
Neil's Demand for Resignation
Andrew Neil, a veteran political commentator and former BBC presenter, responded directly to Fleet on social media, asking: "Aren’t you the minister for safeguarding women against violence? And you have to apologise for what you tweeted after a fellow female politician was violently murdered? Isn’t that a resigning matter?" Neil's intervention has intensified pressure on Fleet, who has served as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls since May 2026.
Political Reactions
Reform UK MP Suella Braverman criticised Fleet, calling her "part of the problem" in a post on X. Braverman wrote: "This is the UK’s Minister for Safeguarding and Violence against Women. A former female MP has just been murdered and some Labour MPs just can’t help themselves online." Widdecombe, 78, was found dead at her home in Dartmoor last week. A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder, and counter-terrorism police are examining the case.
Fleet's Apology and Role
Fleet's deleted comment targeted Reform UK MPs, including Nigel Farage. In her apology, she said: "Apologies for offence caused by my earlier tweet, which I’ve now deleted. My thoughts are - as they have always been - with Ann Widdecombe’s loved ones at this awful time." Despite the apology, critics argue her role as minister for safeguarding women makes the comment particularly inappropriate. The incident has sparked debate about online conduct by politicians, especially in the wake of a violent death.
