Broadcaster Adam Boulton has apologized for describing the late former Conservative MP Ann Widdecombe as a "spinster" and an "old maid" on television following news of her murder. Boulton, a former Sky News presenter, issued the apology on X, formerly Twitter, on Saturday, calling his remarks "shameful" and "vile."
Widdecombe, 78, was found murdered at her remote bungalow in Haytor, Dartmoor, on Thursday. Police believe she was attacked on Wednesday afternoon. A 26-year-old man arrested on Friday in connection with her death was released from custody on Saturday and is no longer part of the investigation.
Speaking on Sky News in the wake of the murder probe, Boulton described Widdecombe as "very much a spinster." He added that by the end of her life, she would probably be described as an "old maid," and speculated about her personal life, noting she had reportedly claimed to be a virgin and had a "chaste but doomed relationship" with a banker.
Boulton's comments drew immediate criticism online, with users on X describing him as "despicable" and "truly vile." Robert Jenrick, Reform UK's Shadow Chancellor and former Conservative Immigration Minister, wrote on X that Boulton had shown "his true colours."
In his apology, Boulton stated he was "seriously wrong and insensitive" in his comments, made during media appearances following Widdecombe's death. "I got the timing and tone of my initial word portrait of her wrong," he wrote. "My mistaken view was that in the context of rolling news coverage, I was being asked to contribute as an obituarist who has known her and interacted with her since the 1980s. This approach was premature."
He clarified that he was not expressing personal feelings but discussing her life based on public record and her own statements, along with recollections of their interactions. "My choice of words on the spur of the moment was clumsy. I did not intend to offend though obviously I did," Boulton added.
Boulton expressed horror at Widdecombe's murder and respect for her "remarkable and feisty political career." He also acknowledged her "showbiz stardom" and stated her death was "a horrible thing."
He also apologized to Sky News and Times Radio for the criticism they received due to his mistake, emphasizing that as a freelance contributor, he is responsible for his own words.
Widdecombe, a former MP and MEP, was found by a gardener in her kitchen. Detectives from Devon and Cornwall Police are continuing their investigation, describing it as "moving at a significant pace" and prioritizing the identification of those responsible. The police have appealed for anyone with information to come forward and have asked the public not to speculate about the circumstances of her death.
New details emerged Saturday morning that alarm bells were raised when Widdecombe failed to appear for a scheduled remote interview on Channel 5's Matt Allwright show on Wednesday afternoon. A researcher for the show had spoken to Widdecombe earlier that day, and her last message was received at 12:19 p.m. When she did not respond to a Zoom invitation at 12:48 p.m., and subsequent calls and messages went unanswered, concerns were raised. The researcher contacted Widdecombe's agent on Wednesday and again on Thursday, the day her body was discovered.