Cops reopen probe into Heather Herbert over Ann Widdecombe death comments
The former Scottish Greens candidate is currently being investigated by his employers Aberdeen University, her political party and also Police Scotland.
Police Scotland has reopened its probe into the former Scottish Greens candidate who celebrated the death of Ann Widdecombe. Cops initially dropped its investigation into Heather Herbert’s social media posts, claiming that “no criminality has been established” despite a major public outcry.
But now the force confirmed that that it was making further inquiries as Aberdeen University is also looking into its employee following a petition which hit 3,500 signatures in a matter of days. Herbert, a trans woman, is believed to be a web developer at the institute.
He posted on left-wing social media site BlueSky that Widdecombe’s death on Thursday was “good news” and that he hoped it was an “extremely painful death” and that she “was handcuffed to the bed as she screamed in agony.” He then doubled down on this, claiming that the row over his comments was “overblown.”
Police Scotland has now u-turned on its original position and is looking into the comments. A spokesman said: “We received reports on Saturday, 11 July, 2026 relating to a post made online. Following further assessment, additional inquiries are being carried out.”
Aberdeen University is also investigating the incident, which happened before Widdecombe’s death was treated as an alleged murder, confirming it was “under review.” A 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, 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.”
Trans activist Herbert stood for Labour in Aberdeen Donside in the 2021 Scottish Parliament election, and for the Scottish Greens in a council by-election in Aberdeen in 2022. The far-left party confirmed it was probing the comments as well as he is a paid-up member, after quitting previously after his partner Sophie Molloy was axed as candidate after calling JK Rowling a “torn-faced cow” and a “man” on social media.
Herbert’s Bluesky account currently shows as being “suspended”. Widdecombe, a former Conservative minister turned Reform UK spokeswoman, was found dead at her home in Devon last Thursday, having sustained serious injuries.
A white British man, 28, from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, originally arrested on suspicion of murder on Saturday, has now been re-arrested on suspicion of commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism. Head of Counter Terrorism Policing, Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor, has said Widdecombe died in a “brutal” and “targeted attack”. He confirmed a counter-terrorism investigation is “running in parallel” to the murder investigation.