A recent analysis suggests a notable asymmetry in how political ideologies react to the deaths of opponents, with the left more prone to celebrating such events than the right. This observation, according to author Daniel Hannan, stems from a core difference in psychological wiring and moral frameworks between left-wing and right-wing individuals.

Hannan points to historical and contemporary examples to illustrate his argument. The reaction to the death of former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, which saw celebratory events and merchandise on the left, is cited as a prime instance. More recently, he notes, the passing of figures like Ann Widdecombe and Senator Lindsey Graham has also been met with expressions of schadenfreude from some on the left.

"The glorying in the death of opponents is asymmetric," Hannan writes, contrasting this with the expectation that right-wing individuals would not react with similar glee to the deaths of figures like Gordon Brown or Keir Starmer. He posits that this difference is rooted in the work of conservative philosopher Roger Scruton, who suggested that conservatives can befriend socialists because they view them as merely mistaken, while socialists perceive conservatives as inherently evil.

Delving into behavioral psychology, Hannan explores the concept of "social intuitionism," drawing on the work of psychologist Jonathan Haidt. He suggests that left-wing individuals, driven predominantly by a single intuition—sympathy for the underdog—may struggle to comprehend or extend empathy to those with opposing political views. This singular moral axis, Hannan argues, can lead to a perception of political opponents as morally deficient.

In contrast, conservatives are described as drawing on a broader range of intuitions, including concerns for freedom, fairness, sanctity, and loyalty. This multifaceted approach, Hannan implies, allows for a more nuanced understanding of differing political perspectives.

Hannan questions the implications of such reactions, stating, "If they really were as terrible as their detractors claim, what would that say about the country as a whole?"

The piece was prompted by reactions to the death of Ann Widdecombe, a former Conservative politician and Member of Parliament. While many expressed condolences and shared memories of her public life, some responses, such as calling her a 'BIGOT!' or expressing hopes for a painful death, were highlighted by Hannan as examples of the phenomenon he describes. The Socialist Worker reportedly claimed Widdecombe had "dedicated her career to attacking migrants, LGBT+ people and the working class," a characterization Hannan contests.

One incident involved an employee of Aberdeen University reportedly facing investigation for posting a wish that Widdecombe had suffered "an extremely painful death." Hannan, however, defends such individuals against disciplinary action, labeling it an instance of "cancel culture."

IMAGE3 Police outside the home of former minister Ann Widdecombe on July 11, 2026

IMAGE4 Reform MP Lee Anderson, home affairs spokesman Zia Yusuf and deputy leader Richard Tice pay their respects to Ann Widdecombe near her home

Hannan concludes by suggesting that the continued success of political figures like Thatcher and Widdecombe, if they were indeed as flawed as their critics claim, reflects positively on the electorate as a whole, challenging the very premise of such harsh criticisms.