Aberdeen University employee Heather Herbert, 50, has been arrested and charged in connection with social media comments allegedly celebrating the death of former Conservative minister Ann Widdecombe. Police Scotland confirmed the charge after initially stating no criminality had been established.
Details of the case
Widdecombe, 78, was found dead in her Dartmoor home on Thursday, July 9, 2026. Police believe she was killed approximately 24 hours before her body was discovered. A 28-year-old man was arrested on Saturday, July 11, in connection with her murder.
The comments by Herbert were made online before it emerged that police were treating Widdecombe's death as a murder investigation. The post sparked significant backlash amid widespread grief across the political spectrum.
Police statement
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: 'We received reports on Saturday, 11 July, 2026 relating to a post made online. Following further assessment, a 50-year-old has been arrested and charged in connection. A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.'
The university has not yet commented on Herbert's employment status. Widdecombe, who also served as a Brexit Party MEP and most recently as a spokesperson for Reform UK, has been honored by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who voiced support for a permanent memorial to her in the House of Commons during Prime Minister's Questions.
