Fury as Sky News star describes Ann Widdecombe as ‘spinster’ | UK | News
Ann Widdecombe dies aged 78 (Image: Getty)
Former Sky News presenter Adam Boulton has been criticized for comments he made about his private life following the news of Ann Widdecombe’s death. His death was announced Friday morning. Devon and Cornwall Police later confirmed a murder investigation had been launched following Widdecombe’s “suspicious death”. The former Conservative MP and Brexit Party MP died aged 78 after being found by emergency services at his home in Haytor, Dartmoor, at approximately 11.40am with “sustained serious injuries”.
Police say a man has now been arrested on suspicion of murder. Deputy Chief Constable Matt Longman said a 26-year-old white British man was arrested on suspicion of Widdecombe’s murder on Friday afternoon.
Speaking of Widdecombe’s decision to never marry or have children, Boulton described her as a “spinster” and said she could be seen as an “old girl” later in life.
The Times Radio presenter, 67, told Sky News: “She was a complete spinster. “I think you’d probably describe her as an old maid in the end.
“He allegedly claimed to be a virgin. He had an affair at university; he went to Oxford University, an all-female college of course, and people like Edwina Currie knew him.
“She had a chaste but disastrous relationship with a man who is now a banker, and in fact from then on she was not interested in establishing personal relationships and was very devoted to her activities.”
Boulton said Widdecombe had embraced the public image that had developed around him, discussing his television career, which included appearances on programs such as Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother.
He said: “There weren’t that many old women fighting around.
“He knew the joke was partly on him, but he was more than happy to do it because of the attention he showed him.”
Following Boulton’s TV appearance, many people expressed their anger on social media, accusing the broadcaster of making “disrespectful” and “misogynistic” comments about the late Ann Widdecombe.
Columnist Madeline Grant wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “Adam Boulton speaks maliciously about Ann Widdecombe in front of what looks like her own picture.
“He describes her (a possible murder victim) as a ‘spinster’, ‘battleaxe’, ‘weak’, ‘old maid’ and talks about her virginity before irresponsibly speculating about her death. Terrible, terrible stuff.”
Another wrote: “Disgraceful scenes on Sky News with Adam Boulton grinning and shouting ‘spinster’, ‘old maid’ and ‘virgin’ as he speculates about Ann Widdecombe’s private life.”
Another added: “Sky News commissioned Adam Boulton to talk about Ann Widdecombe and for some strange reason said she was an old maid and a virgin. I find this really inappropriate and disrespectful.”
