Heather Herbert, a 50-year-old transgender former Labour candidate, has been charged in connection with online posts made following the death of former Conservative MP Ann Widdecombe. Widdecombe, 78, was found dead at her cottage in Haytor, Dartmoor, last Thursday. Police Scotland initially assessed reports of posts made on social media but found no initial criminality. However, an updated statement on Tuesday indicated that following further assessment, additional inquiries were being carried out.
A Police Scotland spokesperson confirmed on July 16, 2026, that a 50-year-old individual had been arrested and charged in relation to posts made online on July 11, 2026. A report is due to be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.
Herbert, who works as a web developer at Aberdeen University, also faces an investigation from her employer. Professor Peter Edwards, Principal and Vice Chancellor of Aberdeen University, stated the university has a zero-tolerance approach to violence or hateful behavior and assured that the comments were being investigated as a priority.
The Scottish Greens, of which Herbert is a member, have also launched an investigation into the comments. Herbert previously held membership with Scottish Labour before joining the Scottish Greens in late 2021.
Meanwhile, specialist officers from Counter Terrorism Policing are continuing their investigation into Widdecombe's death. A 28-year-old man from Rotherham was arrested on suspicion of murder and later re-arrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation, or instigation of acts of terrorism. Laurence Taylor, who is leading the investigation, indicated that Widdecombe is believed to have been the victim of a targeted attack and that investigators are examining the motivation behind her death. Further details regarding the motivation or preparation were not disclosed at this stage of the inquiry.