Police Scotland and Aberdeen University have launched investigations into Heather Herbert, a former Labour candidate and current Scottish Green activist, after she made comments celebrating the death of former Conservative MP Ann Widdecombe. Herbert, a web developer at Aberdeen University, posted on the social media platform BlueSky on July 10, stating she hoped Ms. Widdecombe suffered an "extremely painful death." She also added, "And I hope she was handcuffed to the bed as she screamed in agony."
These comments were posted before news of a murder investigation into Ms. Widdecombe's death had broken. Ms. Widdecombe, 78, was found dead with serious injuries at her cottage in Haytor on Dartmoor on July 11. Police Scotland initially assessed the online post and found no criminality, but have since stated that "additional enquiries are being carried out" following further assessment of the reports.
The Scottish Greens have also initiated their own probe into Herbert's conduct, given her association with the party. Herbert joined the Scottish Greens in late 2021, having previously been a member of Scottish Labour.
Herbert reportedly doubled down on her remarks, even after details of the murder investigation emerged, telling student newspaper The Gaudie, "I don't want to see anyone murdered, but I'm still glad she is dead." She justified her stance by stating that Ms. Widdecombe "was able to and made the lives of ordinary people hell."
Aberdeen University has moved to distance 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, which maintains a zero-tolerance approach to "violence or hateful behaviour," is investigating the comments as a priority.
Ms. Widdecombe's death is being treated as a murder. A 28-year-old man from Rotherham was arrested on suspicion of murder on July 12. Counter Terrorism Policing has taken over the investigation, with lead investigator Laurence Taylor stating that Ms. Widdecombe is believed to have been the victim of a "targeted attack." Officers are still working to understand the full extent of any planning and the motivation behind the incident.