A former Labour candidate and university web developer is under investigation after posting that she hoped Ann Widdecombe had screamed in agony as she died — comments made before police confirmed the Reform UK spokeswoman's death was murder.
Heather Herbert, who also goes by the name Scott Herbert and is a trans activist, wrote on Bluesky: 'I hope it was an extremely painful death.' She added: 'I hope she was handcuffed to the bed as she screamed in agony.' The posts, which have not been deleted, were made before Devon and Cornwall Police announced they were treating Widdecombe's death as murder.
“Former Labour candidate Heather Herbert posted she hoped Ann Widdecombe suffered an 'extremely painful death' before murder was known.”
When approached by the Gaudie student newspaper, Herbert defended her remarks. 'I don't want to see anyone murdered, but I'm still glad she is dead,' she said. 'I'm not a hypocrite. I posted that before the murder investigation was launched.' She added: 'I'm a nobody. I have no power to do anything. Ann Widdecombe was able to and made the lives of ordinary people hell.'
Aberdeen University's principal and vice-chancellor, Professor Peter Edwards, said an investigation had been launched. 'Ann Widdecombe was a highly respected figure in both the Westminster and European parliaments,' he said. 'The University of Aberdeen does not tolerate violence or hateful behaviour in any form. We are aware of the incident and the concerns that have been raised and are looking into the matter as a priority.'
The university later released a statement saying the comments 'are entirely the individual's own and do not represent the views of the University of Aberdeen' and that complaints are handled confidentially. Rector Iona Fyfe said she had received a significant number of emails about the remarks but highlighted she has no responsibility over the behaviour of staff.
Widdecombe, 78, was found suffering fatal injuries inside her remote Dartmoor home after she stopped answering text messages and failed to join a scheduled interview on Thursday. A 28-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, with the support of Counter Terrorism Police. Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman said officers are not looking for anyone else in connection with the death.
The police were informed about Herbert's post. The investigation into her comments is ongoing.
