Aberdeen University employee charged over social media posts celebrating Ann Widdecombe's death
A university worker has been charged over social media comments which appeared to celebrate the death of Ann Widdecombe.
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Heather Herbert, a trans web developer at the University of Aberdeen, was reported to police on Saturday following the death of the 78-year-old veteran politician.
Police Scotland initially said Herbert’s comments were not deemed to have broken any laws but the force has since arrested and charged the 50-year-old university worker.
A 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 connections.
"A report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal."
Aberdeen University previously said the employee’s remarks, which were made before a murder investigation had been launched, was under review.
The comments were reportedly made on social media platform Bluesky and appeared to grimly celebrate the Reform UK spokeswoman’s death.
Read more: Burnham calls for ‘serious review’ into MP safety after Ann Widdecombe killing
A university spokesperson said: "The university is aware of social media posts made by a member of staff regarding the death of Ann Widdecombe and is reviewing this as a matter of priority.
"The comments that have been shared are entirely the individual's own and do not represent the views of the University of Aberdeen.
"Complaints into any member of staff are handled confidentially through our established processes."
Professor Peter Edwards, principal and vice chancellor, said: "Ann Widdecombe was a highly respected figure in both the Westminster and European parliaments.
"The University of Aberdeen does not tolerate violence or hateful behaviour in any form.
"We are aware of the incident and the concerns that have been raised and are looking into the matter as a priority."
Miss Widdecombe was found dead in her Devon home last Thursday.
A 28-year-old white British man arrested in South Yorkshire on Saturday remains in custody.
He is being held on suspicion of commission, preparation, or instigation of acts of terrorism, as well as on suspicion of murder.
Detectives confirmed Miss Widdecombe’s death was a “targeted attack”, and said whether the suspect in the alleged murder was targeting Reform UK figures will be a “line of investigation”.
Counter-terrorism police are now in charge of the case after new evidence came to light – but a senior officer stressed the murder and terror investigations are currently working “in parallel”.
They are now probing whether the suspect was motivated by left-wing extremism and planning further violence against other high-profile figures.
LBC's Iain Dale paid tribute to his friend of many years on air on Wednesday.
The pair once jokingly clashed on air over her views on gay marriage.
Iain, who is gay, spoke to the devout Catholic in 2019, prompting a jokey on-air clash between the two, with Ms Widdecombe being unmoved and unwilling to be drawn on issues that were not relevant to that year's election.
Iain had been friends with Ms Widdecombe for 25 years.
He said about her legacy: "She was the same in private as she was in public.
"Sometimes she came across as a bit humourless, but in private she was quite hilarious and had a well-developed sense of humour, able to poke fun at herself."