Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Millie Cooke

Why Farage has been accused of ‘exploiting’ Ann Widdecombe’s death

  • Nigel Farage has been accused of using the death of Ann Widdecombe as "political propaganda" after he publicly stated his belief that her death was "premeditated murder" rather than a burglary gone wrong.
  • Ann Widdecombe, a former Conservative MP and ex-Reform UK spokeswoman, was found dead at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor on Thursday morning, having sustained serious injuries.
  • A 28-year-old white British man was arrested on suspicion of murder in Rotherham on Saturday evening, approximately 260 miles from Ms Widdecombe's home.
  • Former Conservative MP Harvey Proctor , a close friend of Ms Widdecombe, criticised Mr Farage for speculating on the motive, stating that her death was too dear to be exploited for political gain, a sentiment echoed by police who urged against public speculation.
  • Mr Farage defended his comments, claiming he was careful not to be political and was certain it was not a burglary, while a source close to Ms Widdecombe's family indicated they were "very uneasy" about her death being "hijacked for political purposes".

IN FULL

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.