Full Breakdown
University of Aberdeen Probes Staff Member’s Controversial Comments on Ann Widdecombe’s Death
7/13/2026, 8:28:54 PM
Incident Overview
The University of Aberdeen is reviewing social-media posts by Heather Herbert, a university web developer. In Bluesky posts, Herbert called Ann Widdecombe’s death “some good news for once,” wished she suffered an “extremely painful death,” and said she should have been “handcuffed to the bed as she screamed in agony.” The remarks preceded police announcing the death as a murder investigation.
Background on Widdecombe’s Death
Ann Widdecombe, 78, was found dead at her home in Haytor, Devon on a Thursday. Police Scotland confirmed a 28-year-old white British man from Rotherham was arrested, first on suspicion of murder and later on suspicion of terrorism-related offences. Widdecombe served as Conservative MP for Maidstone for 23 years, held ministerial posts from 1994-1997, joined the Brexit Party as an MEP in 2019, and later became a Reform spokesperson.
Key Individuals
- Heather Herbert – University web developer who authored the posts.
- Iona Fyfe – Folk singer and rector of the university.
- Mark Simpson – Reform Party MSP who demanded Herbert’s suspension.
- Police Scotland – Investigated Widdecombe’s death and assessed the comments for criminality.
University and Official Responses
The university said it is “aware of social media posts made by a member of staff regarding the death of Ann Widdecombe and is reviewing this.” It added that “the comments are entirely the individual’s own and do not represent the views of the University of Aberdeen,” and that “complaints into members of staff are handled confidentially through established processes.” Rector Iona Fyfe said she had received “a significant volume of emails” and noted that “as Rector, it is not my responsibility to oversee complaints regarding the behaviour of staff.” Police Scotland reported no criminality in Herbert’s comments.
Political and Public Criticism
Reform MSP Mark Simpson wrote to the university demanding Herbert’s “immediate suspension or dismissal,” calling the remarks “vile” and “completely unacceptable in a civilised society.” Media coverage described the comments as “glorifying violence.” When approached by the student newspaper *The Gaudie*, Herbert said, “I don’t want to see anyone murdered, but I’m still glad she is dead.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “Some good news for once. I hope it was an extremely painful death.” — Heather Herbert, social-media post
- “And I hope she was handcuffed to the bed as she screamed in agony.” — Heather Herbert, social-media post
- “The comments made are vile and should be completely unacceptable in a civilised society, let alone within a prestigious university that should uphold standards of decency, respect and intellectual discourse.” — Mark Simpson, letter to the university
- “Please note, as Rector, it is not my responsibility to oversee complaints regarding the behaviour of staff.” — Iona Fyfe, statement on X
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Police Scotland found no criminality in the comments; the university’s priority review continues with no disclosed disciplinary timeline.
Next Steps
The university says the matter will be handled through its confidential complaints procedure. No further public comment has been scheduled, and the investigation proceeds pending the university’s internal review.
