Aberdeen university employee investigated over social media posts about Ann Widdecombe's death

The University of Aberdeen is carrying out an ‘urgent review’ of social media posts made by a member of staff regarding the death of Ann Widdecombe.

The former Conservative minister, and later Reform UK spokeswoman, was found dead at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor at about 11.40am on Thursday after sustaining serious injuries.

Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman, of Devon and Cornwall Police, said a 28-year-old white British man was arrested on suspicion of murder in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, shortly after 9pm on Saturday with the support of Counter Terrorism Police.

Aberdeen University said it is reviewing the comments made by its staff member “as a matter of priority”.

A spokesperson for the university 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 university’s rector, Iona Fyfe condemned the comments.

In a post on X, she wrote: “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.

“This will go through correct and proper complaints procedure. The university is aware of the comments being referred to online and are looking into the matter.

“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.”

Police have confirmed that following reports of the posts, “no criminality” was established.

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.”