University investigates employee's comments on Ann Widdecombe's death

The University of Aberdeen is investigating social media comments by an employee about the death of former MP Ann Widdecombe.

Heather Herbert, who is believed to be a web developer, had posted it was "good news" and that she hoped it was an "extremely painful death".

The university said the incident, which happened before the politician's death was treated as an alleged murder, was now under review.

Police Scotland said there had been no criminality in relation to the comments.

The former conservative MP, who was 78, was found dead on Thursday at her home in Haytor, Devon, having sustained serious injuries.

A 28-year-old white British man has been arrested.

Trans activist Herbert stood for Labour in Aberdeen Donside in the 2021 Scottish Parliament election, and for the Greens in a council by-election in Aberdeen in 2022.

A University of Aberdeen 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."

Principal Prof Peter Edwards added: "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."

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "We have received reports relating to a post made online.

"The information has been assessed and no criminality has been established."

BBC Scotland News has tried to contact Herbert for comment.

Widdecombe served as the Conservative MP for Maidstone for 23 years, holding ministerial roles in John Major's government between 1994 and 1997.

Following her departure from the Commons in 2010, Widdecombe appeared on BBC's Strictly Come Dancing that year, and was a runner-up on Celebrity Big Brother eight years later.

She joined the Brexit Party in 2019 where she represented South West England as its MEP from 2019 to 2020.

Relatives of the former minister, and later Reform UK spokesperson, are being supported by specialist officers.