THE University of Aberdeen has released a statement after a staff member said she hoped former MP Ann Widdecombe suffered a "painful death".
The former Conservative minister, and later Reform UK spokeswoman, was found dead aged 78 at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor at about 11.40am on Thursday after sustaining serious injuries.
A 28-year-old white British man was arrested on suspicion of murder in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, shortly after 9pm on Saturday.
Former Scottish Labour candidate Heather Herbert, a web developer at the university, responded to a news report of her death on her Bluesky account, writing: “Some good news for once.
"I hope it was an extremely painful death.”
She added: “I hope she was handcuffed to the bed as she screamed in agony.”
The posts were made before police announced they were treating Miss Widdecombe’s death as murder.
University bosses have now released a statement saying these views do not represent those of the institution and the comments are being reviewed "as a priority".
A statement posted on Twitter/X 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."
The Gaudie student newspaper contacted Herbert on Saturday following the posts.
She replied: “I don’t want to see anyone murdered, but I’m still glad she is dead.”
She added that Widdecombe had made "the lives of ordinary people hell".
Herbert went on to join the Scottish Greens after being a Labour candidate but said in 2024 she had resigned from the party following candidate Sophie Molly's deselection after she called JK Rowling "a torn-faced cow".
Principal and Vice Chancellor, Professor 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 petition has been launched which demands there be a formal review of Herbert's comments and many people have called for her dismissal. Her comments have been described as "sick" by commenters.
Aberdeen University rector Iona Fyfe added on social media she had received a significant number of emails about Herbert's remarks but highlighted she has no responsibility over the behaviour of staff.
She said: "I have been made aware of criticism regarding comments made by a member of the University staff.
"I have received a significant volume of emails regarding this to my rector email. Please note, as rector, it is not my responsibility to oversee complaints regarding the behaviour of staff.
"Any abusive or harassing emails I receive will be reported. The role of rector is an elected unpaid position, to represent students and be a conduit between the university community and court. Whilst I appreciate the strength of feeling in the correspondence I have received, I have no input on disciplinary actions.
"There is no further comment right now, only that in my personal capacity, I’d like to condemn any comments which glorifies violence of any sort, against anyone."
Devon and Cornwall Police said previously it is believed Miss Widdecombe was attacked on Wednesday at about 12.30pm.
Miss Widdecombe was first elected a Conservative MP in Kent in 1987, went on to serve as an MEP for the Brexit Party and then a spokeswoman for Reform UK.
