Police Scotland is conducting further inquiries into online comments made by former Labour candidate Heather Herbert, who expressed a wish for former Conservative MP Ann Widdecombe to have suffered an "extremely painful death." The investigation was launched after Herbert, a transgender web developer at Aberdeen University, posted the remarks on the social media platform Bluesky on July 10.
Initially, Police Scotland stated that no criminality had been established after assessing the information. However, a spokesperson updated on July 11, 2026, confirming that "additional enquiries are being carried out" following new reports.
The Scottish Greens have also initiated their own investigation into Herbert, given her past affiliation with the party, which she joined in late 2021 after leaving Scottish Labour. In her initial post, Herbert shared a Sky News report about Widdecombe's death, adding, "And some good news for once. I hope it was an extremely painful death." She further commented, "And I hope she was handcuffed to the bed as she screamed in agony."
Herbert later doubled down on her statements, telling student newspaper The Gaudie, "I don't want to see anyone murdered, but I'm still glad she is dead." She stated, "I'm a nobody. I have no power to do anything. Ann Widdecombe was able to and made the lives of ordinary people hell."
Aberdeen University has distanced itself from Herbert's comments. Rector Iona Fyfe condemned any remarks that "glorify violence of any sort, against anyone." Principal and Vice Chancellor Professor Peter Edwards assured that the university has a zero-tolerance policy for "violence or hateful behaviour" and that the comments are being investigated as a priority.
Ann Widdecombe, 78, was found dead with serious injuries at her cottage in Haytor on Dartmoor on Thursday, July 9, 2026. A 28-year-old man from Rotherham was arrested on suspicion of murder on Saturday, July 11. Counter Terrorism Policing has taken over the investigation, with Detective Chief Inspector Laurence Taylor stating that Widdecombe is believed to have been the victim of a "targeted attack." Officers are investigating the motivation behind her death, noting that there appears to have been some level of planning and preparation. The investigation is ongoing.