A University of Aberdeen web developer who posted that she hoped Ann Widdecombe suffered “an extremely painful death” is being investigated by Police Scotland as the force carries out “additional enquiries” into the comments.
Heather Herbert, a trans activist who previously stood for Scottish Labour and the Scottish Greens, made the remarks on Bluesky after news broke that the former Conservative minister and Reform UK immigration spokesperson had been found dead at her Dartmoor home last Thursday. In a since-deleted post, Herbert shared Sky News’ initial story and wrote: “And some good news for once. I hope it was an extremely painful death.” A further post added: “And I hope she was handcuffed to the bed as she screamed in agony.”
“Police Scotland investigates university employee who hoped Ann Widdecombe died in agony.”
Police Scotland initially said the information had been assessed and “no criminality” had been established, but on Tuesday a spokesperson said: “We received reports on Saturday 11 July 2026 relating to a post made online. Following further assessment, additional enquiries are being carried out.”
The university distanced itself from the comments. A spokesperson said: “The university is aware of social media posts made by a member of staff regarding the death of Ann Widdecombe and is reviewing this as a matter of priority. The comments that have been shared are entirely the individual’s own and do not represent the views of the University of Aberdeen.” Professor Peter Edwards, principal and vice chancellor, added: “Ann Widdecombe was a highly respected figure in both the Westminster and European parliaments. The University of Aberdeen does not tolerate violence or hateful behaviour in any form.”
Herbert told Metro on Sunday she had received death threats after the post made headlines but refused to back down, pointing to Widdecombe’s own 2019 Oxford Union speech in which the former MP said: “Nobody has the right to live their lives being protected from offence or from insults or from hurt feelings.” Herbert’s reference to being “handcuffed to the bed” alluded to a policy Widdecombe defended in 1996 while prisons minister, when she told the Commons that shackling female prisoners to hospital beds during labour was needed to prevent escape.
The post came as counterterrorism officers continue to interview a 28-year-old white British man arrested in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, on Saturday evening on suspicion of murder and commission, preparation, or instigation of acts of terrorism. Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor said that whether a TV appearance by Widdecombe on the morning of her death might have motivated the killing is a “line of inquiry.” Widdecombe, 78, was found dead with “serious injuries” at her home; police believe she was attacked around 12.30pm on Wednesday, nearly 24 hours before her body was discovered. Herbert’s Bluesky account currently shows as “suspended.”