The BBC has drawn criticism after a left-wing activist, Daze Aghaji, made controversial remarks about the death of former Conservative MP Ann Widdecombe during a broadcast of Politics Live. Aghaji, a climate campaigner, stated that "a lot of people won't be grieving" the former MP's murder, citing Widdecombe's political stances on LGBTQ+ rights, the Me Too movement, and abortion.
Aghaji, 26, appeared on the BBC 2 program on Monday, days after Widdecombe, 78, was found dead in her home. While acknowledging the act of violence was "absolutely awful," Aghaji proceeded to list Widdecombe's political record. "It would go amiss to not mention that she pushed against LGBTQ+ rights throughout all of her career," Aghaji said. "I would also feel like it's time to say that she also said a lot of things about the victims of Harvey Weinstein through Me Too. She said they chose it, upon themselves. And she was vehemently anti-abortion." She added, "So I feel like even though what's happened is absolutely awful, there are a lot of people who won't be grieving this."
Other guests on the show, including Shadow Culture Secretary Nigel Huddleston and Labour MP Jess Asato, appeared visibly unsettled by Aghaji's comments. Huddleston told Aghaji, "I think you will regret what you just said there. A lady has been murdered. Many of the points she made were grounded in her faith. Respect her views." He added, "I'm really sad to be sitting on a chair here today next to you. I'm quite uncomfortable sitting next to you after what you've just said."
Asato advised Aghaji, "At this time, it's sometimes important to just stop and reflect." Aghaji, however, defended her remarks, stating, "As someone who is queer, my rights have been affected by her speeches." She also mentioned Widdecombe's involvement with Reform UK and what Aghaji described as contributing to difficult lives for her community.
The BBC's decision to feature Aghaji's perspective at such a time drew immediate criticism from commentators. GB News presenter Matt Goodwin called the decision "outrageous" and "truly sickening," while journalist Allison Pearson described the display as one of "insensitivity and arrogance."
Widdecombe was found dead in her home on Wednesday, with police later arresting a 28-year-old man from Rotherham. Counter-terror police are now leading the investigation, examining whether the suspect targeted Widdecombe due to her political views. Items of varying political ideology were reportedly found at the suspect's home, though investigators do not believe there is evidence of hostile state involvement. The former MP, known for her conservative stances, had been outspoken on issues such as immigration and justice.
In a separate incident, former Scottish Labour candidate Heather Herbert reportedly celebrated Widdecombe's death online, calling for her to have "screamed in agony." These comments are now under investigation. Piers Morgan criticized such reactions as "despicably cruel, heartless and abusive."
Widdecombe, who retired from Parliament in 2010, was last seen on a Talk TV show on Wednesday morning. She failed to appear for a scheduled television appearance later that day. Police believe she was attacked around midday on Wednesday and may have lain undiscovered for nearly 24 hours before being found by her gardener. While initially not treated as terrorism, the investigation into the circumstances of her death is ongoing, with a focus on potential political motivation.